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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1963-03-27-min 21! SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 27, 1963 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Wednesday, March 27, 1963, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Adams, Messrs. Brown, Burnell, and Cataldo were present. Mr John J. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, Mr. Donald E. Legro, Town Counsel, and the Acting Clerk were also present. Mr. Cole arrived at the meeting at 810 P.M. Mr. Legro reported he was returning the contract from the State Department of Public Works ready to be executed, in the amount of $7,071.70 for the relocation of a 12" water main under Grove Street Contract Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to execute the contract, between the Town and the State Department of Public Works, in the amount of $7,071.70 for the relocation of a 12" water main under Grove Street • Mr. Legro presented a release of damages for the taking by the State of Parcel 9-3-T at Massachusetts Avenue at Wood Street, in the amount of $184.28. Release Mr. Legro presented a claim against the Town by Winifred Belcher with reference to an accident on January 16, 1963 involving a police cruiser which turned out on Lowell Street from a parking lot at #401 Lowell Street, skidded on ice and struck the Belcher Claim car, which was unoccupied. There were two estimates of damage, $415.18 and $174.95. The car has been checked and the estimate of $174.95 considered reason- able and Mr. Legro recommended settlement of the claim Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to settle the claim against theTown by Winifred Belcher in the amount of $174.95. Mr. Carroll reported that he has a taking he wishes made on the Woodhaven Sewer. Sewer taking It was suggested that Mr. Gray should check this and it was held over until the next meeting of the Board. The Chairman read a Memorandum which he had pre- pared for Mr. Gray, copies of which were given to each member of the Board and Town Counsel. I 220 445 Cr Mr. Legro checked the memorandum. He reported that with regard to item #5, on the Refuse Disposal site there is still a lot of work to be done. He feels that all preliminary work on land takings should be worked out and just the legal drafting should have to be made by Town Counsel. Mr. Burnell suggested that there be a list of land Memo for takings that have not been finished so the Selectmen Mr. Gray may have a record as well as Mr. Gray. He felt, as a Board, a work sheet of those things which have not been done should be prepared so that the Board would know what to expect fromMr. Gray, as at the present time, it does not know what has been done . Mr. Carroll felt that work on slope easements presents individual problems to be solved, and would have to be handled by an engineer. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the memorandum for Mr. Gray The Chairman reported that the water hearing on the Air Force Contract would be held on Friday in Washington. Air Force He suggested that Mr. John Carroll, Superintendent Water of Public Works, one Selectmen, Mr.Stevens , Mr. Legro Contract should attend hearing The Chairman was uncertain as to his ability to attend, and the Board felt the senior member, Mr. Cole should go if the Chairman were unable to. Mr. Brown reported that the John Hancock Insurance Company wishes to present the Town of Lexington with 250th a picture in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary anniversary celebration. He asked which department or commission should be contacted, and the Chairman stated that the Historical Society usually handled such matters. Mr. Michael Damone and Mr. Shepard of Cabot, Cabot & Forbes, met with the Board at 8:1.4.5 P.M. The Chairman explained that this meeting was relative to an exchange of land in the dump site 1C.C. & F. area of Hartwell Avenue. exchange Mr. Damone stated he had a plan which showed of land the parcels involved. Cabot, Cabot and Forbes feels they should have enough land to get a 50,000 square foot building. Mr. Brown spoke of a plan, involving another parcel of land, which was presented to the Board previously. The Chairman felt the Board should look at the plans with the Planning Board, as no immediate decision was to be made. Mr. Damone and Shepard retired at 8:10 P.M. 221 IIThe Chairman read a letter from Soule Brothers, Inc. 640 Lowell Street , together with petition, plot plan and photographs pertaining to the water condition that exists on Lowell Street just north of North Street. Mr. Carroll stated that no doubt the problem could be solved by putting in a drain, with catchbasins, but it could not be done this year, as the money has been committed for drainage. Drainage The Chairman asked how much was involved, and Mr. Water Carroll said it would be at least 300 feet of drain, condition with catchbasins, $3,000 or S4,000. Lowell Mr. Carroll stated with the question of Route 3 Street coming in this area is also a factor to be considered. He said Lowell Street is extremely bad, but next year they should go from East Street to North Street , where- ever drains are needed. The Chairman said the feeling of the Board is that this should be put off and no permanent solution made until such time as the problem can be taken care of. The Chairman read a letter from Robert H. Richie , Jr. , M.D. , 8 Winston Road, relative to a petition to obtain sewer service on Winston Road. He requests -Request for estimates of the assessments involved both for sewer sewer ser- and street acceptance. vice Winston Mr. Carroll informed the Board that Mr. Higgins Road was preparing the forms which he requested. Letter from Rarold B. Lamont relative to the in- stallation of traffic lights at the junction of Massa- chusetts Avenue, Winthrop Road and Woburn Street was read by the Chairman. Mr. Carroll reported that the State had been Traffic called two years ago and were working on it and said lights anything proposed would be very expensive. Mr. Burnell was of the opinion that traffic lights were not needed; that most of the trouble lay with the Community Center and that will take care of itself. The letter will be referred to the Traffic Study Committee. The Chairman brought up the subject of Alcott Road- Holmes Road. He stated that the official name is Alcott Road, and is now known as Holmes Road. Alcott Road- Mr. Burnell sti ed this came up two years ago Holmes Road and the Planning Board and Selectmen worked out an agreement between the two boarns. The Planning Board retuned the name of Alcott Road The Chairman stated there is a lot of nuisance 1 222 C connected with changing the name of a road, i.e. , addresses, mortages, deeds and the street should be renumbered. He felt the Board should recommend to the Planning Board that Alcott Rd the name be changed to Holmes Road, that it should be Holmes Rd. legally correct Mr. Carroll stated the name should be changed just for the section between Thoreau Road and Burroughs Road. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Planning Board to change the name of Alcott Road to Holmes lload for the section between Thoreau Road and Burroughs Road only. The Chairman read a letter from Cornelius P. Cronin, Float Chairman of the 19th of April Committee, in regard to Judges Float Judges for April 19. Mr. Otis Brown agreed to represent the Board. Letter from the Town of Norwood, Committee on Industrial Development, relative to a survey being conducted on nearby towns regarding government in- stallations in their area. Survey The Chairman stated, and the Board agreed, that the installations have been an asset to the community and have placed no burden on the schools . He Will reply to the letter. Mr. Morgenstern, Valleyfield Realty Trust, met with the Board relative to an easement. Mr. Carroll showed the Board a plan and explained this taking is on the Woodhaven Trunk Sewer. Mr. Carroll reported he had met with the Valleyfield Trust and the Board had voted to make a taking. Since then, Exchange of he felt the Town might exchange the land they own for land the land Valleyfield owns, so the Town could mitigate Valleyfield the damages. He pointed out the land the Town owns Trust on the plan and stated that Mr. Snow feels this should be a recreation area. He also stated it would be an even exchange, and that the Planning Board should agree they think it is a good thing. The Town would receive a release of damages. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Carroll check with the Planning Board as soon as possible so the taking could be made. Mr. Morgenstern retired. Mr. Carroll mentioned he has requested the Sdhool De- partment fdr, any exoess peat to mix with loam which they Girls ' are not going to use. The girlst hockey field had a nice hockey field lawn. The School Department is willing for Mr. Mazerall to have the peat and will also allow him to strip some sod. 223 Mr. Carroll brought up the subject of $2100 which was in the ecr ion budget et and wa. to be transferred g to his budget and used by the Public Works Department. He presumed it was in their budget and the Recreation Committee assumed it was transferred, SD Mr. Carroll' s Recreation budget is $2100 short. He intends to do the work budget with the understanding that he will be able to get a transfer if needed. The Chairman stated the Recreation budget was late coming in, and if Mr. Carroll needed the money later, a transfer could be made. Mr. Carroll referred to the Swimming Foal building stating that work has been started. He feels there is enough money left to get lookers which were originally included and which he proposes to buy if the Board has Swimming no objection. He stated the existing building has two Pool Build- rooms which he feels should be made into one large ing usable room which will be used exclusively for boys . Mr. Burnell felt the Recreation Committee should be contacted, and the Board agreed. Mr. Carroll brought up the subject of the Flowering Baskets which the Field and Garden wished to install on each lamppost in the center of town on the occasion of its 250th anniversary, as he had received a call from Park Dept . Mrs. Davis . Mr. Mazerall has checked with Wellesley and there is no maintenance problem. Mr . Adams questioned whether the Boston Edison Company would let them put the flower baskets on their poles as they are rather fragile. Mr. Burnell felt if we accept the offer, it would put more work on the Park Department , as he felt they would require water. He suggested that the Field and Garden be thanked but refuse the offer. It was the consensus of opinion that the idea is impractical. Mr. Legro referred to the hearing to be held as the result of a complaint filed with Chief Rycroft by Lt . Paul E. Furdon, in regard to Officer McSherry' s behaviour on Saturday, March 9, 1963. Police Mr. Cataldo suggested that the Board meet on Saturday hearing morning, April 13, 1963, at 11 A.M. rather than at an Executive Session of a regular meeting. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to rescind the vote taken on March 20, 1963 for a hearing on April 8, 1963 at 8:30 P.M. II 224 c. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Police to notify Officer NeSherry that charges have been pre- ferred and that a hearing will be held before the Board in the Selectmen's Room on Saturday, April 13, 1963, at 11 A.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session far the purpose of discus- sing, deliberating or voting on a matter 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 of the Evans' Schedule and Compensation plan relating to the salaries of Arthur Silva and Eugene Molloy of the Public Works Department, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Mr. Legro retired at 9:30 P.M. Mr. Franklyn Crosby met with the Board. The Chairman read a report on the Youth Aid Program Youth Aid which Mr. Crosby had prepared and sent previously. Program After a lengthy discussion with Mr. Crosby as to sponsors, financial aid and general setup, tle matter was held over until the next meeting of the oard fo a decision. Letter from the City of Woburn relative to the NASA Space Project location in Woburn was held over until the next meeting of the Board. It was agreed to write Woburn that the Board was in favor of the NASA locating in Massachusetts. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Bonds to approve bond on behalf of Mary R. McDonough as As- sistant Treasurer in the amount of $5,000; also bonds of James J. Carroll as gown Treasurer in the amount of $86,000 and Town Clerk in the amount of $1800. Mr. Winsoi D..; Jelli&! letter of March 17, 1963 was held over pending a report from Mr. Irwin. Complaint The Chairman read Mr. Irwin's report and the Board felt further consideration should be given by Chief Rycroft and disposition of the case made. Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Civil Division of Civil Service, relative to Compensation Service Plan, was read by the Chairman and was referred to Mr. Gray. 225 = Appointment to the Board of Assessors to replace Mr. Cass, who has resigned, was brought to the attention of the Board. It was agreed to contact Mr. Willard Grush to see if he had anyone in mind. The following names were presented; Charles Babcock, 7 Brandon Street , George W. Emery, 47 Somerset Road Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign Certificate of Incorporation on behalf of Miss Cert. of Inc. Barbara C. Gorell, 22 Hamilton Road, and Miss Laura F. Nichols, 67 Liberty Avenue, satisfactory character references having been received from the Chief of Police. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following licenses : Bertram P. Gustin 50 Bloomfield Street Auctioneer William G. Nowlin 29 Maple Street Guide The meeting adjourned at 10:50 P.M. A true record, Attest �; P`� Acting erk, Selectmen 0 A/-4 CtAfr