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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1964-02-17-min 10 SELECTMEN 'S MEETING February 17, 1964 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, February 17, 1964, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs Brown, Burnell, Cataldo and Sheldon were pre- sent. Mr.Legro, Town Counsel, Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public works, and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the Jurors Board for the drawing of four jurors. The following individuals were drawn for jury duty: Richard S. Bailey, 15 Bryant Road, Carl Rodman, 29 Sanderson Road, Clarke A Hamlet, 16 Bellflower Street, and Charles F. Hutchinson, 164 Spring Street. Mr Carroll retired. Mr. Legro said he had a tax title deed to Lot 7-A off Pleasant Street and has made provisions that 'this lot be combined with Lot 7. Tax title Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to execute-deed conveying lot 7-A Pleasant Street to Alvin Y.Morrison, 104 Pleasant Street. Applicationfor retirement was received from Benedict J. Belcastro, Chief Engineer, Lexington Fire Department . The Board had also received, January 13, 1964, a letter from the Fire Commissioners advising that Chief Engineer Belcastro had requested retirement effective June 1, 1964. Mr. Gray said he had checked this with the State and inasmuch as Belcastro has selected Option One, the State Retirement Board is not involved. He said he Retirement would discuss one question in connection with the re- quest for retirement with Town Counsel The Chairman read a letter from the State Depart- ment of Public Works relative to an investigation of Traffic Stop signs at four intersections requested by Mr. Carroll. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders by addingto Article VIII, Section 11, ( Isolated Stop Signs ) the following: North and southbound drivers cn Worthen Road at Massachusetts Avenue. Southeast bound drivers on Worthen Road at Waltham Street. CT Mr. Carroll said the Traffic Study Committee re- commends removal of the signs at Lincoln Street and , Traffic Baskin Road which were placed on a temporary basis and are not approved by the State Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to follow the recommendation of the Committee and have the signs taken down. The Chairman read a letter fromMr. Richard S. Townsend, 7 Nowers Road, relative todisplaying the Flags flags in the Center on Washington's Birthday. Mr. Carroll explained that Mr. Maze all does not know of any occasion during the past ten years when the flags have been flown on Washington's Birthday. He said it was decided at one time not to include Washington's Birthday in the list of days when the flags would be displayed because the pole holes are usually filled with ice He said many years it is impossible to even locate the holes It was agreed to have the flags put out on Washing- ton's Birthday providing the street is free from snow and the holes are not filled with ice. A form letter was received from the State Department of Public Works relative to a hearing on waterways pro- jects to be held March 12, 1964. Mr. Carroll said he had intended to call a repre- sentative to find out where the Town now stood. He said the Department has done nothing about the Town's request to have Kiln Brook dredged and it is imperative to the proper operation of the sanitary land fill, which will be much more difficult to operate if the brook is not cleaned out. He said he thought the Board should contact the Representatives and be present at the hearing Mr Brown reported that he attended the hearing last year and thought it had been made very clear to the State Department of Public Works that this was important to the dump site Mr. Carroll reported that Representative Brox has done a good job on this and was assured by the former Comm issioner of Public Works that the work would be done . The Chairman requested Mr. Gray to work with Mr. Carroll on this and keep the Board informed. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Fire Com- missioners advising that the State Inspector has condemned all three air tanks at Cary Hall, and it will be necessary to add $2,000 to the expense budget for the replacement of the tanks I 193 Mr &ieldon reported that he had asked if this was something that could be deferred, and, according to the conversation between Commissioner Fitzgerald and the Inspector, the inference was that the tanks should be replaced. Mr . Cataldo said he thou&ht the Board had given the Commissioners notice not to put the compressor in until a discussion was held between the two Boards about the complete system. They put the compressor in. He said he wanted an answer whether they could hook onto the Civil Defense or not before they went ahead Mr . Gray stated that a report had been received from the Civil Defense Director as to that it would cost to put a coder on the new warning system which will be located in the Fire headquarters . Mr. Burnell said if they tie in with the Civil Defense it might be possible that it would not be necessary to ap- propriate any money. Mr . Gray said he would check what it will cost to Code the new warning system. The Chairman said if the tanks are condemned, it knocks out the system. Mr. Burnell said he did not think the Board should vote on this without obtaining more facts . Mr. Cataldo asked if the Board had a letter from the State Inspector. The Cnairman replied that the Board has a letter from the Fire Commissioners . Mr . Cataldo said he would like a copy of the letter from the State Inspector and then determine whether the system is needed or not . Mr. Burnell said it was his understanding that the Board was not going to spend any money on this old system until it was determined whether or not the Civil Defense system could be tied in. The Chairman asked Mr. Gray to follow this through with the Fire Commissioners. Mr. Sheldon suggested that Mr. Gray find out if there is any legal requirement in regard to maintaining the system. The Chairman read a letter from Alan L. Emery, fire- man, requesting an appointment with the Board to discuss the difficulty he is having in finding a home in Lexington Mr . Sheldon advised that the Board should not handle this unless it knows what the Fire Commissioners have done . He explained the Commissioners are trying to enforce a re- quirement that the men live in town He said the problem is if the Board starts granting exceptions, then it will be granting more. It04 Cr Mr. Cataldo stated that, in reading the Commissioners ' minutes, all members of the department are being compelled to live in town by 1966 . Mr.Burnell said the Selectmen appoint the Commissioners to run the Fire Department and unless there is something very completely wrong, the Selectmen should leave it up to the Commissioners to run the department, and he did nit think the Selectmen should interfere. Mr. Sheldon reported that this particular man is now living in town and wants to move out. Mr. Cataldo said his only question is, should the Board extend him the courtesy of coming in to see the Board. Mr Sheldon said he would not want to until the Board has talked to the Commissioners . Mr. Burnell said, because of the requ st, he would want a report from the Commissioners and he objected to this because he does not want the Selectmen to get in the way of the department heads and appointed commissions . Mr Sheldon suggested that the Board request an opinion from the Commissioners as to why Mr. Emery's request was denied. He said he did not think the Selectmen should meet with him until it has had a full report from the Com- missioners. Mr. Cataldo said he agreed that the Board should have a report, but he felt he should be extended the courtesy of meeting with the Board. The Chairman suggested that Mr Emery see Mr Gray, present his case, and then 4r. Gray could present it to the Board. Mr. Sheldon said Mr. Gray should discuss t.iis with the Fire Commissioners . Mr. Burnell said he thought all these things should be screened through Mr. Gray before they come to the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Robert Jeremiah, Wire Inspector, relative to his vacation and substitute. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Inspector to appoint Mr C. Waldo MacWilliams, Inspector from Concord, as substitute inspector in Lexington for a three week period commending March 5, 1964; Mr. MacWilliams to be reimbursed by Mr. Jeremiah. Letter was received from Dr. Arthur I Breen, Belmont, on behalf of the Knights of Pythias, requesting permission to conduct a Kiddie Kamp Tag day on March 27 and 28. Tag Day Due to the fact that residents were subjected to denied numerous such drives, the Board established a policy of limiting permits to one or two national organizations , and it was voted to deny Dr Breen' s request . 105 IILetter was received from Mrs David A. Somers, on behalf of the Women's American Ort, requesting permission to park a vehicle in the Center on Friday for the purpose of publicizing a play and also requesting permission to Parking sell tickets vehicle Mr . Sheldon said the Board should examine what type denied of a precedent might be established. Mr. Cataldo stated he would have no objection to the advertising, but would be opposed to selling tickets Mr. Burnell said he was opposed to anytning such as this in the center. The Chairman pointed out that numerous organizations and groups in Lexington with similar programs might, if this is granted, submit the same request . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny both requests Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Lexington Civil Rights Com- Use of hal mittee to conduct a meeting in Estabrook Hall on February 21, 1964, from 8 :00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M. , free of charge subject to payment of janitor 's fees for overtime services. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting held Minutes on February 10, 1964. Mr Carroll reported that last Thursday, he and Mr. Gray represented the Board at the MDC hearing upon application of the City of Leominster for permission Hearing to connect to the MDC water system He stated the general feeling was that this would not materially affect the supply of water to the greater Boston area of the MDC as a whole . He said he believed, after he left, the Commissioners did vote to permit Leominster to come into the system The Chairman read a letter from the Mystic Valley Gas Company requesting permission to locate a 2" welded steel gas main in Cummings Avenue to service house #10. Gas main Upon motion duly made End seconded, it was voted to grant the request, the proposed location having been approved by Mr. Carroll Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant an Auctioneer 's license to Allen M. Mintz, License 51 Blake Road, satisfactory character reference having been received from Chief Rycroft Mr. Norman Newlands, 49 Grandview Avenue, met with the Bo and relative to a sewer betterment assessment Fay; levied against land owned by him Mr. Newlands explained that he lives on Grandview Avenue at the end of Estabrook Road . A sewer line was put in Estabrook Ropd and stopped at the center of the two streets and he received an assessment of $645.12 He stated that he does not feel he should be charged Sewer because no pipe was placed in front of his land and no betterment work was done in front of his land assessment Mr. Carroll presented a plan and indicated the lot about which Mr. Newlands was talking and also pointed out the location of the sewer . Mr. Cataldo asked if there was a house there now, and Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative Mr . Newlands said if and when he connects to the sewer, he said he would pay, but he does not think he should pay now. Mr. Carroll explained that if the Betterment is abated now, a connection charge would be made in lieu of betterments when the property is connected and it would have to be paid in full. Mr. Cataldo asked if Mr. Newlands understood he could connect to the sewer now, and he rep ied in the affirmative . The Chairman said the Board would take the matter under advisement and let him know. Mr. Newlands retired at 8 :20 P.M. Mr . Carroll said he would like to look at the order of construction and see how it was written. Mr. Legro said he could not see that it would make any difference. Mr. Cataldo said he thought the betterment assess- ment should remain. Mr. Legro advised that if Mr. Newlands can connect to the sewer, the land has been bettered. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny Mr. Newland ' s request for abatement of the sewer assessment in the amount of $645 12 levied against land owned by him and located on Grandview Avenue Upon motion duly made and seconded, it wa voted to go into Executive Session for thepurpose of discuss- ing, deliberating, or voting on matters, which, if made Executive public , might adversely affect the public security, the Session financial interest of the Town, or the reputation of any person. Following a discussion relative to the garbage bids, matters pertaining to theLaw Department budget, Planning Board budget, voting machines, and the property at 334 Woburn Street, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 P.M. A true record, Attest: ec tive/Cler , Sele men