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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1964-02-10-min 90 ; SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 10, 1964 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, February 10, 1964, at 7 30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs Brown, Burnell and Sheldon were present. Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present Mr. C taldo arrived at 9 00 P.M. and Mr. Legro arrived at 9:06 P.M. At 7:30 P.M. hearing was declared open upon peti- tion of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate a manhole in Massachusetts Manhole Avenue from Woodberry Road. location Mr. Dunn, representing the petitioner, was the only person present at the hearing. Notice of the hearing was mailed to the petitioner, owners of the property listed on the petitioner 's plan, and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works Mr Dunn explained that the present span lengths are so great the company wants to place a manhole over the duct for more room. The proposed location was approved by Mr. Higgins, Assistant Town Engineer, and no one was present at the hearing in favor or in opposition, and the hearing was declared closed . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the fol- lowing manhole location: Massachusetts Avenue: Northerly side, in sidewalk, approximately 200 ' easterly, from Woodberry Road; One (1) manhole, to be built over existing conduit. At 7 :33 P.M. hearing was declared open upon peti- tion of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company Pole, guy and the Boston Edison Company for permission to locate wire & one pole, guy wire and anchor on Turning Mill Road. anchor Mr. Dunn, representing the telephone company and Mr Serverson, representing the Boston Edison, were the only persons present at the hearing. Notice of the hearing was mailed to the petitioner, owners of the property listed on the petitioners ' plan and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Serverson explained that there is a pole and guy there now and therc is a driveway. The present lo- cation of the pole and guy makes it difficult for the 1 occupant of the house to drive in and out of nis drive- way. The proposed location was approved by Mr. Higgins, Assistant Town Engineer. No one was present at the hearing in favor or in opposition and the hearing was declared closed Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign an order for the follow- ing j/o pole, guy wire and anchor location: Turning Mill Road, southwesterly side, approximately 209 feet southeast of Grimes Road, -- One (1) pole, guy wire and anchor At 7:35 P.M. hearing was declared open upon peti- tion of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate underground conduit in Woburn Conduit and Lowell Streets . location Mr. Dunn, representing the petitioner, was the only person present et the hearing Notice of the hearing was mailed to the petitioner, owners of the property listed on the petitioner 's plan and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Dunn explained this is for the street widening at Lowell and Woburn Streets . The proposed location was approved by Mr. Higgins, Assistant Town Engineer. No one was present in favor or in opposition and the hearing was declared closed. Upon motion dul made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign an order for the follow- ing conduit location: Woburn Street ; From Pole 14.2/57, northerly, tlm easterly approximately 268 'feet of underground conduit ; also, one (1) manhole, MH 54/122 From M H 54/122, easterly, approximately 69 ' feet of # underground conduit Lowell Street : From Pole 9/66, northerly, then northwesterly, approximately 288 ' feet of underground conduit. From easterly side, of Woburn Street , westerly, approxi- mately 78 ' feet of underground conduit. At 7:38 P.M. , hearing was declared open upon peti- tion of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate one pole o$ Lowell Street from Pole Haskell Street. location Mr.Dunn, representing the petitioner, was the only person present at the hearing * From Pole 114/61 westerly, approximately 116' feet of underground con duit 92 Notice of the hearing was mailed to the petitioner, owners of the property listed on the petitioner's plan II , and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works . Mr Dunn explained the pole will service a fruit stand and there was a pole there at one time, but it was in front of a driveway The proposed location was approved by Mr. Higgins, Assistant Town Engineer. No one was preset in favor or in opposition and the hearing was declared closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign an order for the follow- ing pole location: Lowell Street : Westerly side; approximately thirty (34 feet northerly from Haskell Street : One (1) pole Notice was received from the Metropolitan District Commission relative to a hearing upon application of the City of Leominster for permission to, pump a portion of MDC its water supply requirements from the Wachusett Reservoir Mr. Gray advised thAt this was a routine hearing which he and Mr. Carroll will attend. Request from the Europa Auto Imports, 153 North Street Street, for street lights was referred to Mr. Carroll. Lights The Chairman read a letter from William E. Porter and William J. Wilson requesting another three-year extension of time for payment of a sidewalk assessment levied against property owned by them and located on East Street. The Chairman read a letter from William E. Porter and William S. Wilson, Porter Bros. & Wilson, 6 East Street, requesting deferment of a sidewalk betterment assessment in the amount of $1,036 .66 and deferment Deferred of a sewer betterment assessment in the amount of betterment $2,474 37 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was; voted ,o again extend the time for payment of the sidewalk betterment assessment, under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, without interest, in the amount of $1,036.66, levied against property owned by Porter Bros. & Wilson, located on East Street , until the land or any part thereof is built upon, sold or until the expiration of three years from the date hereof, whichever event occurs first. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to extend the time for payment of the sewer betterment assessment, under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Deferred Acts of 1950, without interest, in the amount of betterment $2,474.37 levied against property owned by Porter Bros & Wilson, located on East Street, until the land or any part thereof is built upon, sold or until the expiration of three years from the date hereof, the extension of time to terminate immediately if the facilities of the sewer main are used for any part of the land. Letter was received from Donald M. Graham, Plan; ning Project Director, Boston Regional Planning Project, relative to a hearing to be held at the Arlington Town Hearing Hall on February 12, 1964 at 8 00 P.M. , for the purpose of discussing the provisions of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1962. Mr Brown and Mr. Gray will represent the Board at the hearing Another letter was received from Mr. Jack L. Mitchell, 16 Peachtree Road, with reference to the property at 334 Woburn Street . 334 Woburn Due to the fact there was a difference of opinion Street between the Planning Board and the Building Inspector, the subject had been referred to Town Counsel for a ruling. It was agreed to advise Mr.Mitchell that the matter had been referred to Town Counsel. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to designate Mr. Cataldo as the Board 's representative LVNA t6 the LVNA Board of Directors. The Chairman read a letter from Dr. Donald C. Weikert, with reference to a proclamation and newspaper Procla- release in connection with the Heart Fund Drive oration Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to issue a proclamation and to approve the proposed newspaper release . The Chairman read a letter from Lexington Emblem Club requesting permission to operate a refreshment stand April 19 next to Bateman's Department store, April 19 permission having been obtained from Mr. Thomas Connors , owner of the building. The Board had no objection Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to designate March 16, 1964 as the deadline for receiv- ing requests for permission operate refresnment stands on April 19. 4)4 r, Cm' Invitation was received to attend the Installation Invitation of Officers of the Lexington Detachment Marine Corps League The Chairman agreed to represent the Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Lexington Science & Engi- Use of hall nearing Scholarship Fund Committee to conduct a dinner in Cary Memorial Hall on March 12, 1964, free of charge, but subject to a fee of $3.00 an hour for janitor 's overtime services . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Lexington Lodge Order Sons Use of hall of Italy to hold a banquet in Cary Memorial Hall on May 16, 1964, subject to a charge of $35, plus $3.00 an hour for janitor's overtime services. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the following individuals Special Police, at the request of Mr. William F. Buckley, Assistant Director of Cary Memorial Library, for terms expiring March 31, 1964: Robert E. Ames 50 Bridge Street Lexington, Mass. Frank Langone 92 Lake Street Arlington, Mass. Philip Nyren Ayer, Massachusetts Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Licenses to grant the following licenses : Douglas E. Hogan, Taxi Driver; G. Robert Lea, Taxi Driver; Lexington Motor Inn, Inc. , Innkeeper. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Minutes to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting held February 3, 1964. Mr. Gray reported that he wrote to the Lexington Historical Society and the Chamber of Commerce for in- Historical formation requested by Representative Bradford Morse. information He suggested, and the Board agreed, that he send along the information received from the Historical Society. Sealed financial statements were received from the four low bidders on the gargage contract Mr. Sheldon suggested that Mr. Gray study the in- formation submitted by the bidders and submit a report to the Board. Mr. Gray said in addition to the information the bidders filed, he thought the Board should run through its own credit check Mr. Sheldon said the Board has received a financial Garbage statement and the Board is next interested in the ser- bids vice they have given the towns for whom they have worked, and beyond that, he did not know what information could be obtained. He said this is a case of a record of service, whether they have given good service or not Mr. Gray said he and Mr. Carroll plan to visit the Towns these bidders have collected in. Mr. Sheldon said when that was done, the Board would have all the information it needs . Mr. Gray said if the bidders were narrowed down to two, he thought an independent check should be made and the Board agreed. The Chairman read a letter from Mr . Carroll, Super- intendent of Public Works, with reference to the proposed alteration and relocation of Skyview Road. Skyvivw Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted' Road to rescind the order to alter and relocate Skyview Road at Raggeway. The Chairman reported that he spent three hours and Conser- a half on Skturday with Mr. Jules Sussman, of the Con- vation servation Comr:ission, and Mr Sussman wants very much to Commission have an article requesting the appropriation of $15,000 article He stated thtt he, Mr.Cataldo and Mr Burnell discussed this and were of the opinion not to request the $15,000. Mr. Sheldon said he thought it would be very unfortu- nate not to give them the money they need. Mr. Burnell suggested waiting to find out what the Commission will need. Mr Sheldon said if they don't need the money, it will not be spent If the Commission does find some- thing during the year and have no money, it will have to wait for a Special Town Meeting. He said most of the towns in the Commonwealth are in this , and he thought the money should be given to the Commissioners. Mr. Brown said they would still have to go to a Town Meeting for specific projects. Mr. Burnell said before, the Board suggested that they use the Selectmen's ooption money. Mr. Gray explained that to participate in the Com- monwealth, the project first has to be approved by the a.. Cl State. They can't go out first and get an option. After they have received State approval, they come back to Town Meeting for approval. The State will not approve any- thing that hes not received its prior approval The money can be accumulated and sets up a Conservation Fund separate from expenses . This fund can only be used to acquire property. He said the question was raised as to how long this money can be accumulated. The State receives its money from the bond issues given it by the General Court. They can only see two years in advance and can't say four years from now whether they will have any money or not . Mr. Sheldon said the State law, as he understood it, provides that the State pays 50% of the Town' s appropri- atioh. This would not apply to the Selectmen's option money. Mr. Gray stated it would apply only to the Con- servation Fund. Mr. Sheldon said he thought it was only fair to the Commission to give them what they expect to get . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to include an article in the warrant requesting an appropri- ation of $15,000 for the Conservation Commission; (Vote rescinded later in the evening. ) The Chairman said the Board appointed him as the Town' s representative to the Regional Planning Commission, Planning and he accepted on a temporary basis and can no longer Council devote any more time. He said he proposes to send his resignation to the Secretary of State and suggested to the Board that W. Alan G. Adams be appointed. Upon motion dulymade and seconded, it was voted to apoint Mr. Alan G. Adams a represntative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Mr. H. Bigelow Moore and William R. Page, TMMA, met with the Board Mr. Moore said the voting machine question seems to go well over a year . The precincts have too many voters for the machinesand the State has a minimum requirement of one machine for every 400 voters. In precinct one, there are 2700 voters and five machines . He said there are 700 voters over in that precinct, meaning at least two machines are needed. In 1960, the polls closed at eight and people were waiting at ten. He asked what steps the Selectmen are taking to bring the Town into the legal re- quirement for voting machines The Chairman said he did remember the previous Board making the statement that it would have them for the next 97 ' -residential election The warrant is closed and being signed tonight so there will not be an article in the warrant for this Town Meeting. He said he talked to the Chairman of the Planning Board and he believes articles will be ready in May for a Special Town Meeting. It would be his opinion that if Town Counsel advises the Board this is the law and the Board should do tliis, it will have an article in the warrant Voting Mr. Moore said it is his understanding that the machines letter is in the file that the then Chairman promised that this would be in the warrant for the 1964 election Mr Sheldon asked if there were a meeting in May and these machines were authorized, what the time would be in getting them The Chairman said he understood they could be ac- quired on a rental basis to buy. He said all he could say is, it was an oversight Mr . Moore said it is disturbing to them that it has been on the docket for over a year and it is a legal re- quirement . The Chairman said the main thing is the Town have machines for the presidential election. There are enough machines for the voters until that time Mr. Moore agreed. Mr. Sheldon said Mr . Gray could find out the timing. The Chairman said he assumed the other members of the Board felt the same as he does . Mr. Page said the Precinct One people brought up the fact you can't tell how many people saw the line and did not wait to vote Mr.Moore said if the warrant is closed, he would have to take it. It is the only answer The Chairman pointed out that only a few people come out to the primaries and regular town election. Mr. Page said the TMMA :las been addressing itself to communications problems and appointed a committee to investi- gate ways of improving communications between Town Meeting Members, the Board and Town Meeting Members, other people in the Town and Town Meeting Members and other Boards and Committees. This committee reported back to the TMMA and most of the people in the Association appreciated, from the experience they had on the high school referendum, the kind of problem they faced so they were more than glad to push some of these sugbestions which the communi- cations committee made to the TMMA One of them was a communications room; to have some central place in 8 iNn tr the Town where information such as Planning Board reports, Appropriation Committee reports, Capital Expenditures Com- mittee reports would be available He said there is in- formation they thought would be valuable to have at an information center and kept up to date . They first talked this over with Mr.Nyren of the library Rev. Handle7, Mrs Morey and several other people went over the idea. The problem was that they could not think there was any space for it and also did not think it was properly a library function but more properly a Cary Hall or Town Office function. This was reported back to the TMMA and the sug- gestion wa made to approach the Selectmen. He said he wrote to Mr. Brown and in the letter to Mr. Brown outlined the type of information th<t might be made available - - Town Warrants from previous meetings, Standing School Building Committee members, Town Meet- ing members ' names and addresses, people filling town positions, tax doll_r posted, etc. The League of Women Voters would be responsible for stocking the room with inform tion. A member of the library staff would work with the League, the TMMA and the Town Clerk to keep the room up to date Use of the room would be by permission of the library staff or Town Office staff The information in the room would not be available for loan. Posting of information would be by permission of the Town Office staff or the library staff. The Room would be available for use of small groups for meet- ings. Publicity would be given the room and its avail- ability would be made known. Mr. Page said the TMMA does not say a communications room would be the answer, but they think it would be worth an experiment to try out and see if it is of anytuse. It would be done en a voluntary basis and if it worked out, there might be some money appropriated to keep it up. The Chairman said at the present time, anyone who wants information comes to the Town Office and is referred to the proper department. He said he would have no idea how much such a room would be used. He asked if the library would not set aside a room. Mr. Brown explained that the library thought it was a good idea, but the problem arose that there is no room the library could close off to the public The Chairman explained that the Town departments are lacking sufficient space. Mr. Sheldon asked if theoe wasn't a primary step that might be taken to evaluate this . They ane not sure how far this should go or how mutt it would be used. He asked if it would be possible for the League of Women Voters to begin to assemble the type of data they refer to. There would be no room, but they would 99 II have the desired information, and if there is a demand for the information, they would know how far to go Mr. Page said the library is willing to put on exhibits and a temporary exhibit might determine if this type of information would be used. Mr. Brown explained that the trustees did agree they would not be opposed to displays of any kind with the exception of political displays Mr. Page asked if the Board had any specific sug- gestions to improve ways of communications The Chairman replied he felt the communications lines are in good repair between TMMA and the Board of Selectmen The group retired at 8 55 P.M Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Se sion for the purpose 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 with Mr. Gray re insurance, and a conference with Chief Rycroft,it was voted to resume the open meeting. The Chairman mentioned the articles in the warrant. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Article to include an article requesting an appropriation for the purchase of a new fire engine Mr. Cataldo wished to be recorded in opposition. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Warrant calling the Annual Election for Warrant March 2, 1964, and the Town Meeting on March 16, 1964. At 10 :20 P.M. , the Appropriation Committee met with the Board. Mr. Noyes, Chairman of the Committee, informed the Board that due to a miscalculation, it would appear that the tax rate will be increa ed by 2.45 The following budget reductions were recommended and approved bythe Board of Selectmen Lowell Street construction, 45, 000 eliminated; Library Capital Outlay, 10,000; Conservati n Commibsion, $15,000; Reserve Fund, 10,000, Recreation Committee, $10,000. The Appropriation Committee and Mr Legro retired at 11 15 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Conserva- 1 II to rescind the vote of the Board recommending an appropri- tion Copt. ation of $15,000 for the Conservation Commission and that 100 dad an item of $100 be included for the Commission's expenses in Article 4. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted not to approve any change in the Evans ' plan whereby Fire salary the maximum salary for firemen was established at $5810.00. & hours It was also voted to approve a reduction in the work week for the Fire Department to 50.4 hours and to approve a total of five additional men Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Police establish $6,100.00 as the maximum salary for patrolmen salary in the Police Department and also to approve $100 for uniforms . Tkie meeting adjourned at 11:30 P.M. A true record, Attest: ' c/011 Cle , Select en tf 1