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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1963-04-15-min S ;LECTMEN nS MEETING Apr_l 15,1963 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, April 15, 1963, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Adams, Messrs . Cole, Brown, Burnell and Cataldo were present . Mr. Legro, Towp Counsel, Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public orks, Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held Minutes on April 8. The Chairman read a letter from Honorable John J. Buckley, Chairman of the NASA for Central Merrimac Valley, relative to appointment of persons to make arrangements with civic groups for speakers from the NASA for Central Merrimac Valley NASA It was agreed that Mr. Brown and Mr. Cataldo would serve as representatives from the Board to arrange with civic groups for speakers from the NASA. Invitation was received from Dr. Howard A. Smith, Chairman of the 250th Anniversary Committee, to attend Invitation the tree ceremony planting to be held April 21, 4:00 P.M. , Hastings Park. Mr. Legro asked what the Board would like to do about the classification of employees, and suggested making a list of all the positions and he would then Employee have a format to recommend to the Board. classifi- The Chairman said it seemed to him that this cation should be done a t a special meeting. Mr. Legro said, in fairness to the employees, it should be done, and that he would need a list of all Town positions, elected, appointed and hired. The Chairman asked if this would include School teachers and Mr. Legro replied as a category, yes . The Chairman requested Mr.Gray to be responsible for getting the desired information to Mr. Legro. Further consideration was given to request from The Greener Trust & The Whiter Trust for abatement;,of Abatement sewer betterment assessments levied on three lots lo- cated on Emerson Road. 280 IND mr C- The Chairman suggested referring the request to Town Counsel. Mr. Legro said all he thought he needed was the drawing. Mr. Carroll gave him a sketch of the lots involved and explained the betterments. Mr. Legro advised that the subject was wholly a question of fact as to whether theee lots were bettered by the installation of a sewer in Emerson Road. Mr. Cataldo inquired as to the amounts, and Mr. Legro explained that lot 25 was assessed $593.16; lot 36 was assessed $1263.50 and lot 37 was assessed $796.23 Mr. Carroll explained that the Trust installed the sewer in Angier and Diamond Roads and therefore contends that the lots were not benefited by the sewer in Emerson Road. Mr. Gray asked if these lots would have been served by the Emerson Road sewer, and Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative. Mr. Legro said if the Emerson Road sewer had not been putipi by the Town, the subdivider would have had to put it/in order to get a connection. Mr. Carroll said that was correct and stated that the Emerson Road sewer is a trunk sewer The Chairman said the subdivider was at least partially benefited by- having the trunk sewer in the area and Mr. Carroll said he definitely was. Mr. Cataldo moved that the entire betterments be abated The motion was seconded by Mr. Cole Mr. Brown said he thought the entire subdivision was bettered and Mr. Burnell agreed. Mr. Brown recommended abating 50% on each lot. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to abate 50% of the sewer betterments assessed on lots 25, 36 and 37. Mr. Cataldo was recorded in opposition. Upon motion duly made and seconddd, it was voted to go into executive session for the purpose of dis- cussing, deliberating or voting on a matter which, if Executive made public, might adversely affect the public security, Session the financial interest of the Town, or the reputation of any person. Following a discussion pertaining to one particular phase of the Public Works Department services and the Contracts AF19 (60L.) -781 and AF19 (628)-700, change in rates to the Air Force, it wa° voted to resume the open meeting. Decision re Mr. Vogel, of Wes-Julian, was held over. Mr. Carroll advised that he has more information to give to Mr. Legro. 31 2 II Mr. Howard D. Adams , 69 Paul Revert iload, met with the Board and requested that the order issued by the Board on July 10, 1961 restraining his daughter ' s dog be rescinded The Chairman read the Board' s letter of July 11, 1961, to Mr . Adams for the benefit of the new members and asked Mr. Adams why he was making this request . Mr. Adams said he did not attend the hearing Restraining because he was working nights, and it was Mr. John Order Bruechi who had the dog restrained He said as far as he knows, the dog has never been in either of Mr. Brucchi 's corrals . He said he believed at the hearing Mr. Bruechi claimed the dog attacked one of his horses but he did not think anyone saw the dog do it. He said there has been a feud ever since Mr . Bruechi moved next to him. The Chairman asked if the dog had been restrained since the order, and Mr. Adams replied in the affirmative . He said he did get loose a couple of times but he, his wife and daughter walk him. He said the dog is a Collie and when he has him walking and the horses go by, the dog doesn 't bother them Mr. Burnell suggested asking the 'Jog Officer to submit an up-to-date report Mr. Cataldo asked if the dog had ever bitten any- one, and Mr. Adams replied that he had not to his know- ledge The Board was in agreement in requestingthe Lo g Officer to investigate and submit a report. Mr. Adams retired at 8 45 P.M. Mr. Cole reported that he received a telephone call from a woman on Eastern Avenue about a Mr. Erickson building on Grandview Avenue The Chairman said the subject should be referred to Grandview the Planning Board. Avenue Mr. Carroll explained that Mr. Erickson came in to see him about six months ago about extending the water and sewer on Grandview Avenue which is a private way. At that time, he told him there was a question about the subdivision rules. This was referred to the Plan- ning Board and then to Mr. Irwin. Mr. Legro said he thought this should be referred back to the Planning Board and asked Mr. Cole what Mr. Erickson is doing. Mr. Cole said he has not done anything yet but told the people he intended to start next week. Mr. Legro said the street has never been opened to passage and there seems to be no question but this is a subdivision. He said he would alert the Planning Board. *o MC C- Mr. Gray was requested to check with the Building Inspector the first thing in the morning to find out whether or not a building permit has been issued. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Walter S. Harrington relative to the proposed layout of Winter Street. Mr. Carroll explained the contents of the letter by use of a plan and stated that Mr. Harrington wants Winter St. the betterments on Winter Street abated. He said he betterments understood from Mr. Legro that betterments could be assessed on Winter Street in spite of the fact the lot was on Coach Road because Coach Road has not been con- structed The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Harrington that the matter has been taken under advisement . Mr. Legro retired at 9:10 P.M. Letter was received from Albert Cohen, 382 Marrett Road, requesting information relative to construction ' Sidewalk of a sidewalk in front of his property. The Chairman said the Superintendent of Public Works has this and he did not think the Board needed to take any action. The Chairman read a lette r from William P. Brenchick, Jr. , 48Lincoln Street, relative to a water problem on Drainage his property. It was agreed that Mr. Carroll would contact Mr. Brenchick and try to work out a satisfactory solution. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations (No Parking) as follows: AMENDMENT TO THE TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS TOWN OF LEXINGTON, ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, APRIL 15, 1963 ARTICLE V, SECTION 2 (No Parking) By adding to this Section the following: North Hancock Street. On the southerly side from Bedford Street for a distance of 250 feet. Ledgelawn Avenue . On the northerly side from Bedford Street for a distance of 50 feet . 283 1 Adopted April 15, 1963 A true copy, Attest: Zs/ Hazel J. Murray Executive Clerk, Selectmen April 16, 1963 Then personally appeared the above named Hazel J. Murray, Executive Clerk to the Board of Seledmen, and acknowledged the foregoing to be her free act and deed, before me, /s/J J Carroll Notary Public Decision in regard to raising and lowering the flag on the Common was held over. The Chairman reported that he discussed the possi- bility of a Police Officer taking care of the flag with the Chief and received a negative answer. He also talked to the Fire Department and received a definite negative answer. Raising flag Mr. Cataldo asked what reasons were given and the Chairman replied that he had not made it a formal re- quest. Mr. Brown felt that the Board should ask the Police Department before going to the Fire Department . The Chairman reported that the Chief said at five in the evening and later there are many traffic problems. Mr. Carroll said his department could take care of the flag five days a week; it is just weekends that are involved. Mr. Burnell said he thought this should be done in one department, and aaked why the Board didn' t refer it to the Police Department . Mr. Cole said Mr. Gray could discuss this with the Fire Department . Mr. Cataldo said he wanted to hear the Fire Com- missioners' reasons, and he would like to have them meet with the Board. Mr. Cole said he thought the proper procedure, would be to have Mr. Gray follow this through The Chairman said if Mr. Gray is turned down then it is a different story, and Mr. Burnell said he should not be turned down, that this is a request from the Board. 4)84 MC Mr. Brown asked if there wau sufficient personnel in the Fire Department at that hour in the morning to put the flag up. Mr. Cataldo said they could get up and explained that there is a change of watch Mr. Burnell said the police are in cars moving around all the time, and certainly there is a police car that will be circulating around the downtown section early in the morning and this would be no problem for them to put the flag up in the morning. He said the problem is to take it down at night. Mr. Carroll explained that the flag has to be taken down at sunset, and it would be difficult for the police at certain hours. Mr. Burnell said he thought Mr Gray should work something out. Mr. Cataldo asked why Mr. Harold Roederts son was outfitted in fire fighting equipment and why he would be waiting for a ride. Mr. Gray was requested to check this. The Chairman said a question was raised about the pieces of equipment sent to the fire in Cambridge, and Mr. Gray was requested to ask if this was the Fire Commissioners ' decision. Mr. Carroll reported that he had taken bids on two pieces of equipment for the Park Department. He read Bids bid prices received for a York rake and a roller. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the bid of $820.71 received fromthe Dyer Sales and Machinery for a rake. Mr. Carroll said he would be prepared to make a recommendation on the roller next week. Mr. Carroll said he would like to have the letters on the Revolutionary Monument on the Common painted by the Town painter so that it can be read April 19. He reported that he has an item of $500 in his budget but thought the Town painter could take care of it. Revolutionary The Board authorized Mr. Carroll to have the let- monument ters painted as he suggesteu. Mr. Gray reported on meetings he and Mr. Carroll had relative to installation of sewer on Worthen Road and read his report on the subject. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendations agreed upon by Mr. Carroll and Mr. Gray. Mr. Carroll retired at 9:50 P.M. 285 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the following Sunday Sales licenses: Licenses Baker Avenue Variety Five Forks Spa Harvey J. Comrie Hancock Market Concord Hill Market Wardrobe' s Pharmacy Woodhaven Country Stores Upon motion duly made and seconded, it wqs voted to deny an application for a Taxi Driver' s license License filed by Richard F. Wass, 15 Holland Street, Lexington Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the following Taxi Driver, Intelligence Office, and Guide Licenses : William Anderson Taxi Driver G. Robert Lea " n Professional Placement Associates Intelligence Office T. Hunter Wilson Guide Letter to the Editor from Alden W. Jefts, 47 Wachusett Drive, was explained by the Chairman, who stated that Mr Jefts wants the Board to take a stand on strike benefits. No action was taken . Complaint from Mrs . Heinrich, 136 Pleasant Street, about dumping on land adjoining her property and owned Complaint by a Mr. DeVincent was referred to Mr. Gray to take up with the Board of Health. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize payment of $100 submitted by the Charles M Bill Evans & Associates for services rendered March 13, 18 and April 2. Mr. Cataldo said that the time the Board dis- cussed Eugene Moloy' s salary, he was told there would be no charge from Mr. Evans. The Chairman explained the bill just presented was for attending Town Meeting at the request of the Board and for going over the schedule with the Executive As- sistant. Mr. Gray reported that he expected Mr. Evans in the morning and Mr. Burnell asked if there would be a charge. Mr. Gray replied that he did nct know as he dia not know what arrangements the Board had made with Mr. Evans. Mr. Cataldo said he did not think any more pay- ments should be made. Mt Mr. Burnell said there should be an understanding now that no more payments will be made. He said if additional information is necessary, the Board should have an opportunity to decide whether it should take advantage of it and pay for it Letter from the Board of Health relative to a lo- cation for a Hearing Test-Mobile was held over. Hearing The Chairman reported that Chief Rycroft had arranged Test-Mobile with Mr. Finneran to have the unit parked at the rear of the Town Offices when not in use Mr. Burnell suggested that items such as this be handled by Mr. Gray and that he be given authority to make a decision. Mr. Burnell said if the Board has not already voted, it should vote to establish Friday noon as a deadline for placing items on the Monday night agenda unless a Town official has something which requires immediate Executive action. Assistant The Chairman said Mr. Gray had been given a list of duties in general of what the Board wants, and he thought now the Board should get into some other details and have an understanding of what the Board expects of him and what his rights are. He said, as he understood it, the Board would have to be more specific on the super- vision and coordination. He said the main object of the position is to keep the Board informed and also to keep most of the details off the agenda Mr. Burnell said Mr. Gray should not have to get into the details of running the department . He should work with the manager of the department and have a thorough knowledge of what is going on, finding it out from a managerial viewpoint . Mr. Cataldo said daily contact would take his whole day, and the Board should not confine this to a time. He said if someone has a problem, that is all right, but daily contact would be too much He said the Town has a Superintendent of each department and his work should not be duplicated. Mr. Gray said it would be a waste of time to go to every department every day, and he is not in a position to tell these people what to do. Mr . Cataldo said there is a Superintendent of Public Works, an Assistant and an Inspector, three highly paid men, and this is not what the Executive Assistant was hired for. Mr. Burnell said he would not want to restrict Mr. Gray' s actions, and if he wants to go from his desk to 1 the Public Works Department to look around for a decision, he thought he should be free to do it. Mr. Cataldo said the specific jobs are Mr . Carroll ' s responsibility and the Board can ask him questions . He said an Executive Assistant should not keep track of these outside jobs, as that is not his department. The Chairman said he thought Mr. Gray understood what the Board wanted, and would leave it up to his judgment to give the Board what it wants. He said he thought both Mr. Gray and the Board understood tilt the Board does not want any duplication of the work. Mr. Cataldo said 75% of Mr. Gray' s time should be spent in the Town Office Building. General Terhune' s letter relative to a forum and proposed charter of the Hanscom Field-Lexington Com- munity Council was held over. It was agreed that the Chairman of the Board, one member of the Board and the Chairman of the Town Celebrations Committee should represent the Town on the Council. The Chairman read a letter from Stephen Ells, ' 110 Shade Street, relative to a conservation commission, Conservation and the Chairman said that Mr. Gray would have a report Commission for the next meeting. The Chairman read a report from Mr. Irwin, Build- ing Inspector, relative tothe property at 311 Woburn Street, owned by Irving Currier The subject was referred to Mr. Gray Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the parish of St. Brigid' s Church Paper Drive and the Sacred Heart to conduct a paper drive on Sunday, April 21 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny Mrs. Alver Anderson permission to sell sandwiches Permit from her car at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and denied Marrett Road on April 19. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Lexington Fire Fighters Use of hall Association to conduct a Record Hop in Cary Hall on Friday, May 10, subject to the usual conditions . X88 SugLested proclamation of the President and a IIProclamation Joint Resolution of Congress designating May 1 as Law Day USA was approved for publication. Discussion was held relative to the appointment of an Assessor, at which time Mr. Burnell submitted the name of Oscar W. Carlson. The Board was of the opinion that it would be in the best interest of the Town to appoint someone not conducting a business in Lexington. Discussion was also held relative to the appoint- Assessor ment of Mr. John F. McCurdy and Mr. Charles Babcock. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr. John F. McCurdy, 16 Sutherland Road, to the Board of Assessors for an unexpired term ending January 1, 1964. Mr. Cole was recorded in opposition. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint the following individuals to serve on the Memorial Day and Veterans ' Day Committee Jerome F. Garrity, V.F.W. Lawrence E. Stone, American Legion George E. Foster, Sons of Union Veterans Charles E. Parks, Lexington Minute Men William P. Brenchick, Jr. , Lexington Marine Corps Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted II to sign an order for the construction of a sewer in Sewer East Street from Frost Circle a distance of 488 feet westerly to existing sewer. (Selectmen 's Files, 1963, Sewer Orders. ) Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign an order for the construction of a sewer in Sewer Hartwell Avenue from the Boston & Maine Railroad, 1510 feet, more or less, northeasterly (Selectmen' s Files, 1963, Sewer Orders. ) Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign an order for the installation of a water main Water in Hartwell Avenue from Boston & Maine Railroad, 1510 feet, more or less, northeasterly. (Selectmen' s Files 1963, Water Orders. ) Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign Orders of Layout on the following streets 28 accepted at the Annual Town Meeting, March 18, 1963: Alcott Road Lillian Road Baskin Road Oxbolc Road Bowser Road Roosevelt Road Brown Road Saddle Club Road Burroughs Road Ross Road Constitution Road Todd Road Cooke Road Ames Avenue Douglas Road Drew Avenue Fulton Road Eastern Avenue Freemont Street Freemont Street Jeffrey Terrace Manning Street Winter Street The meeting adjourned at 11:25 P.M. A true record, Attest: Exec tive/Clerlk, Select 1yn � 4