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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1963-09-09-min 478 m C- SELECTMEN'S MEETING September 9, 1963 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectman was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, Seppember 9, 1963, at 7 :30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs . Brown, Cataldo and Sheldon were present. Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Mr. Carroll, Superin- tendent of Public Works, and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present . Carroll reportedthat t t he had a sidewalk bid opening today. There were four bidders, Chris Coviello being the low bidder with a figure of $7,812.50. Hq Sidewalk reported that he had checked the bid, found it to be bid correct and recommended that the contract be awarded Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award the contract for sidewalk construction to Chris Coviello, the low bidder, in the amount of $7,812.50. Mr. Carroll said he would like to remind the Board Meeting about meeting at the Lincoln Street Dump next Monday, at 7 :00 P.M. He said there are a couple of areas he believes should be filled and would like the Board to view them. Mr. Carroll reported that the Traffic Study Com- mittee met last Friday and the most important item discussed was the intersection of relocated Massachu- setts Avenue at Marrett Road. The Committee viewed the area and all members agreed that this was going to be a very dangerous intersection when it is open for traffic . He recalled that in December, 1962, the Board wrote a letter to the District Highway Engineer requesting a modification of the intersection, and the Committee recommended that the Board send another letter reiterating the request. He reported that he contacted the SUM) today and found out that not much has been done in regard to this intersection. It was agreed to write the State and request that it liot open this road until temporary lights have been installed. Mr. Gray said the Committee also felt that trees on both sides of Massachusetts Avenue should be cleared away because there is not more than a 20 foot sight and this should be included in the letter. 479 The Chairman said he spent time, between 4:00 P.M. and 6 :00 P.M. at the corner of North and Lowell Streets and suggested that the Traffic Study Committee take a Traffic look at this area He said if anything was to be done, it should start from the Burlington line. Mr. Carroll said he did not approve starting from the Burlington line and although the area is dangeroud he could not see why it could not wait another year or so and stated this is not a new situation. The Chairman said he would like the Committee to look at it. Petition was received from the residents of Burnham Road requesting the installation of sewers at the earliest possible time Mr. Carroll presented a plan and stated this situ- ation is a little out of the ordinary. He indicated on the plan the location to which the petition had reference and also indicated the entire area which will need to be sewered. He explained there is no sewer in the area now and will have to be sewered from a pumping station at North and Adams Street . He said there will have to be a pumping station put in, a force main and a small Sewer trunk sewer. He explained that Burnham Road cannot be sewered until these other projects are completed. He said these people have to be answered and he thought it might be advisable for the Board of Health to look into the entire area and advise whether or not this is an area that should be concentrated on in the near future. It was agreed to request the Board of Health to investigate and report. The Chairman read a letter from the Department of Public Works, Division of Waterways, with reference to cleaning and widening Kiln Brook. The Division is revising its personnel in accordance with Civil Service regulations and when all necessary changes have been Kiln Brook completed, a firm priority list will be established. It is anticipated that this list will be completed in November, at which time it will be possible to give a probable starting date for this project. Mr. Carroll stated that the dump would operate better if the brook is cleaned out, but he will have to operate it without the cleaning. He said Representative 'lrox is working on this. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve petition and grant an order for the removal of one New England Telephone and Telegraph pole on Pole removal Lowell Street, westerly side, approximately eighty feet 4030 ' , It C- northerly from Haskell Street . Further consideration was given to Mr. Alvin Y. Morrison's offer to purchase Lot 7A on Pleasant Street. Mr. Gray reported that Mr.Morrison is willing to purchase the lots under the conditions outlined in the Board 's letter of September 4 if the sewer betterment of $609.58 could be apportioned as they are in the rest of the area. He said, generally speaking, betterments on tax title lots are paid in full when the lot is sold. He said if it was agreeable with the Board, he would referthis to Mr.Legro. Mr. Gray stated that he received a letter from Mrs. Rich, together with a letter from attorney William I. Schell, asking for a partial release on a sewer better- ment levied against property owned by the DiSilva Family Trust. In Mr. Schell's letter, he stated that Partial the Town has a lien on the entire DiSilva property and release of he wanted a partial release of the property taken by the sewer better- Commonwealth so that the Commonwealth may be able to pay ment the amount agreed upon in the case which is entered in the Middlesex Superior Court. Mr. Gray said this is a question of whether or not the Board would authorize Mr. Legro to prepare the necessary instrument. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Mr. Legro to prepare a partial release on the sewer betterment assessment levied against the DiSilva Family Trust property Mr. Gray said he received a letter from Mr. Hays, President of the Lexington Choral Society, relative to storing equipment in Cary Memorial Building. He re- ported that the panels will not take a large area and will be available to any other group that might want Storage in to use them. Cary Building Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the Society's request for permission to store equipment in Cary Memorial Building, subject to Mr. Carroll's approval. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. John J. Bilafer advising that his client is willing to pay $3800 for tax title lots 59 and 60 Ivan Street, the amount enter- tained by the Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sell and convey lots 59 and 60 Ivan Street to Mr. George M. Bilafer for $3800 providing he is willing to combine the two lots whereby only one building, 481 together with customary accessory buildings , shall be erected, placed or maintained on the combined lots. Mr. Gray is to follow this through. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectman 's Meeting held Minutes on September 3, 1963. Mr. Gray read a letter from Robert Page Associates referring to the "controversy between Brewer & Lord and the Lexington Association of Insurance Agents and the problem they have created for the Board". The organiz- ation offered to review all the data, for a fee, and makd recommendations to the Board. It was agreed to acknowledge the letter andaadvise that the Board does not at this time feel it is in need of the services as outlined. Mr. Sheldon reported that Mr. Burnell had advised him that he was willing for the Board to continue its consideration of the Town's insurance if it would save Insurance any time. However, the Board preferred to hold the the matter over until all members of the Board were present for the discussion. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify the characters of Gwendolyn M. Cram, 759 Cert. of Inc , Waltham Street, and T. Landon Lindsay, 71 Freemont Street, satisfactory character references having been received from the Chief of Police Application was received from Anthony C. Russo, 50 Newport Street, Arlington, for permission to conduct a dance in Cary Memorial Hall every Friday night. Mr. Sheldon asked if the proposed dances were to be conducted for profit and non-profit Mr. Russo replied it was to make a profit. He said he operates the Wonda Car Wash and has several Lexington boys working for him who have asked about getting such a program started. Mr. Cataldo mentioned the fact that the F mnnen's Relief Association conducts dances every other Friday and the Prom-manaders also conduct dances once a month. The Chairman explained that it has been the policy of the Board to grant permission for the use of the hall for programs sponsored by local organizations and Use of hall it has never been rented to an individual for profit Mr. Russo stated that the dances would hot be ad- vertised on the radio, just local advertising in Lex- ington and Arlington. 482 mc The Chairman asked about the music, and Mr. Russo stated that he would have a dance band The Chairman said the Board would take the matter under advisement. Later in the evening, consideration was given the subject and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny the request. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Use of hall iso grant permission to the League of Women Voters to use Estabrook Hall on the first Wednesday morning of each month. The Chairman read a letter from William R. Whalen, requesting permission, on behalf of the residents of Block dense Benjamin Road, to conduct a block dance Saturday, September 14, 1963, from 7:00 P.M. until 11:30 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request. The Chairman read a letter from Charles H. Spaulding, Chairman of the Follen Community Church 125th Anniversary Fair, requesting permission to conduct a hayride on the Hayride night of September 13 with some singing and announce- ment of the fair via signs on the truck The ride will go from East Lexington up Massachusetts Avenue to the First National Stores. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request . The Chairman reported that he received a letter from the Church of Our Redeemer, requesting permission to conduct a paper and rag drive in the parish on Paper Drive Sunday afternoon, October 27, 1963. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request. The Chairman read a letter from George P. Morey, Chairman of theTrustees of Public Trusts, requesting a transfer of $50 for the purpose of registering the coupon bonds held by the Trustees . Transfer Upon motionduly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $50 from the Reserve Fund to the Trustees of Public Trusts Expenses Account. The Chairman read a letter from Raymond L. White, Town Accountant, requesting a transfer of $14,383.10 for interest charges. Mr. Gray stated that the bond issue for the school was p..seed and no provisions made for six months ' interest charges. He said that if there is to be a Special Town Meeting, the Appropriation Committee would prefer to have this amount taken from the Excess and Deficiency. He reported also that the Planning Board would advise the Selectmen this evening whether or not it will be ready with the zoning change for a fall Town Meeting. (Further discussion on this subject was held later in the evening in an Executive Session. ) Letter was received from Kingston L. Howard, sub- mitting his resignation from the Town Celebrations Com- mittee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation with regret At 8:15 P.M. , the Board of Health and Mr. Finneran, Executive Health Officer, met with the Board. Mr. McQuillan said the Board of Health received many calls, sometimes thirty during the day, about the collection of garbage. He said his Board did not know, but if it is a matter of paying more money to correct the situation, he thought the Town Meeting Members would go along with it . Garbage Mr. West stated that he wanted to be sure that collection nowhere is the impression given that the Board of Health thought it could tell the Selectmen what to do about garbage collection. He said in his opinion, there are four things that must be done. 1) The boards have to recognize and define a problem the Town can understand and realize 2) The Boards have to discuss various possible solutions. 3) A solution has to be selected and recommended. 4) The cost has to be deter- mined and taken to the Town. He said there has to be public meetings maybe with Mr. Carroll and Mr. Finneran and unless a good plan is presented, there is a chance it will not be approved by Town Meeting. He said the most impdart- ant part is that it is going to cost money. He also said that the Town has to be educated to the fact that to collect rubbish and garbage will cost a great deal more money than the Town is now spending. Dr. Cosgrove said this is not a new problem, but one that of long standing and he thought Mr. West had voiced the view of the Board of Selectmen. He sug- gested that a solution might be worked out if the two Boards get together with Mr. Finneran and Mr. Carroll. The Chairman suggested the establishment of a committee consisting of Mr . Gray, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Finneran and representatives from the Town Meeting Members Committee to work on this and submit recom- mendations . 484 Mr. McQuillan asked if the situation could be taken care of if more money was appropriated Mr. Carroll replied that bids were taken and the request was based on the lowest bid. He explained that the specifications have been quite liberal as far as the contractor is concerned, and they could be written stating what trucks will be used and how many men. He said this would result in better collection but it would also increase the cost. He stated that Needham, a town comparable to Lexington, is paying $80,000 a year for garbage collection. Mr. West said it is going to cost a lot more money and the Town must realize that good collection will be expensive. Mr. Carroll explained that no matter whft proposal is brought in, the Town will have contract garbage col- lection for most of 1964. He stated that if the Board goes into Town Meeting with recommendations, whatever they are, it will take time to implement the Town Meet- ing vote . In the meantime, there will be contract garbage collection a good portion of next year. Mr. McQuillan reported that the Townof Arlington pays $115,000. Mr. Cataldo pointed out that the area in Arlington is one-third of the area in Lexington. Mr. Cataldo alto pointed out that any report should be submitted to the Board in sufficient time to be in- cluded in the budget . All present agreed that the suggestion of a com- mittee was the only step to be taken at the present time . The Chairman asked to have the report in time to include in the budget. The Board of Health retired at 8:29 P.M. Mr. Paul Nesbeda, 10 Blodgett Road, met with the Board, and referred to the meeting held on July 15 in regard to the installation of a sanitary sewer to service Scotland and Blodgett Roads. Blodgett Road He said he intended to put in a swimming pool but Sewer had to abandon the plan because of the sewer easement. Easement He said the removal of trees, plus damage to other trees, will result in considerable damage. He said replacement of the trees turned out something about $4,000 just in loss of value on the lot due to the lack of vegetation and he considered the entire operation damage. In addi- tion, the amount of water coming down from the hill will involve a risk of a sudden frost and will cause a heaves ' problem in the surface of the tennis court which will have to be redone, and he would have to sue the Town accordingly. He said if the Town takes the easement, he will have no 45 control whatever as anyone can enter the property to do work. He said the easement does not satisfy a public need and is taken for convenience. He said this is a matter of getting everyone upset when there is another means of providing the sewer, and he wanted to protest and ask the Board to reconsider the situation. He said the easement wpuld cost the Town much more than what they originally thought it would. He said there is a public road, and public services belong in the public road and there is no reason to go through prdivate property. Mr. Nesbeda said if there was no other solution, he would think ttice because of a public need. He said when everything is summed up, it will cost $14,000. The Chairman said the Board would take the matter under advisement and Mr. Nesbeda would hear from it. Mr. Nesbeda retired at 8 :45 P.M. (Further discussion was held on the subject later in the evening during Executive Session) . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of dis- cussing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if Executive made public, might adversely affect the public security, Session the financial interest of the Town or the reputation of any person. Mr. Brown brought up the subject of appointments to an Industrial Committee. The Board considered as possible members, William T. Welsh, 11 Childs Road, Paul G. Yewell, 6 Leeland Terrace, and Mark Moore, 59 Hancock Street. Considerable discussion was held as to whether or not a member of the Boards of Selectmen, Planning and Appeals should be appointed to the Commission. Mr. Cataldo and Mr. Brown felt that these Boards should not be represented, but the Chairman and Mr. Sheldon disagreed. No decision was made. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 P.M. A true record, Attest : % xec ve le :, Select ,