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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1963-02-04-min SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 4, 1963 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen 's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, February 4, 1963, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Adams, Messrs. Cole, nichards, Burnell and Brown were present. Mr. Legro, Town Counsel, Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present . Miss Mary R. McDonough, Assistant Town Clerk, met with the Board for the drawing of three jurors. The following individuals were drawn for jury duty: John H. Jurors Peterson, 9 Bowman Street; Joseph Robbatt, 38 Sherburne Road, and Ezra L. Dunton, 35 Robinson Road. Miss McDonough retired at 7:40 P.M Mr. Legro stated that, by way of information, he has found it necessary to rule against the Town Celebrations Committee conducting the play itself in April 19 connection with the celebration planned for April 19. He said he thought it had been understood. The Chairman raised a question relative to the inclusion of an article in the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting requesting authority to transfer to Cabot, Cabot & Forbes sufficient Town land on the easterly Cabot, Cabot side of the right-of-way (at the dump site) to insure & Forbes ' that they have a parcel with a minimum area of five land exchang acres. In exchange for this land, Cabot, Cabot & ForbeB will grant the Town a release of damages for the taking, the fee in the easement and title to the area which abuts the westerly side of the easement and owned by Cabot, Cabot & Forbes. Mr. Carroll stated that he ha- to prepare a plan and has discussed the subject with Cabot, Cabot & Forbes. He said he did not think there would be any difficulty Mr. Legro said this is an exchange of land and there may have to be two articles . Mr. Legro referred to the article to provide for a committee to retain professional services and pre- Museum pare preliminary plans, specifications and cost esti- Article mates for the construction and equipping a building / for a Town museum,and reported that he could find no authority for a Town to appropriate any money or erect a museum, and he thought serious consideration should be given to the subject before an article is included in the warrant. Mr. Cole asked if an Act of legislature was neces- sary, and Mr. Legro replied that he thought one would be needed. The Chairman said he thought that would take care of it for this Town Meeting. Museum It was unanimously agreed not to include an article pertaining to a museum in the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Legro reported that he has the same concern Fencing about the change in the Building By-Laws with reference pools to fencing swimming pools and said there is no inherent authority delegated by the legislature. Mr. Legro referred to a letter received from the Town Meeting Members Association requesting an article on tax exemptions to give the Town Meeting an oppor- tunity to ask the Board to memorialize the General Court so that the General Laws could be amended in towns Memorializing where valuation is on a fair and full cash level, higher Feneral Court exemptions would be allowed qualified applicants. Mr. Legro questioned the value of such an article and said this memorializing is a matter of presenting a statement of facts which may form the basis of a petition. Reference was also made to the Associations com- munication relative to publishing assessments. The Chairman said he thought it was highly desir- able but the figures presented were very rough estimates and he questioned the way in which the Association sug- gested handling the publication. Mr. Legro said an article could be drawn, but it is a matter of policy and what the Board wants. Letter wan received from Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, and Clerk to the Board of Registrars, to which 'Referendum was attached thirty-two pages of names containing 403 checked signatures of registered voters requesting a referendum on the vote under Article 2 of the Special Town Meeting, January 28, 1963. The Board expects to call a Special Town Meeting at its next regular meeting on February 11, to be held on February 25. ` Mr. Carroll mentioned the fact that last fall the Board wrote to the School Committee and asked that funds be included in its budget to maintain lights at all of Street the schools. He reported that the Committee has in- lights eluded $3,000 in this year' s budget and therefore the amount in the street lighting budget can be recuced by $3,000. Mr. Carroll stated that Old Westview Street goes out towards Bedford Street and there is no one living on it. He reported that complaints have been registered about parking, and he said the street should be physically closed off. Old Westview It was agreed to close Old Westview Street off Street as recommended by Mr. Carroll. Mr. Mercurio Dankese 's request for settlement of damages was held over. Petition was received for construction of a sewer in Foster ''`oac. Sewer It was agreed to advise that funds were not in- cluded in this year's budget and that the request will be considered when the 1964 budgets are being discussed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petitions and sign the order for the fol- lowing pole, guy wire and anchor locations on Locust Pole Avenue: locations Locust Avenue, northerly side, westerly from a point approximately 230 feet west pf Churchill Lane, -- 2 poles . (Boston Edison) . Locust Avenue, northerly side, westerly from a point approximately 27 feet west of Churchill Lane, --/(3 Two poles; guy wire and anchor on second pole O) Locust Avenue, northerly side, approximately 440 feet west of Churchill Lane, -- One pole. (JW0) . The Chairman read a letter from Harold Conant, holder of a mortgage to the Temple Isaiah, in which he referred to a request to sign a release to the Town for an additional right of way for water mains. Mr. Carroll reported thathe had discussed this with Mr. Harold Stevens and explained that the Town had an easement for a water main and at the request of the Temple Isaiah, the water main and easement were re- located. He said Mr. Stevens feels there is no problem 1 5 C- and that the Town can make a new taking and does not have to abandon the old easement . He explained that if there is any problem, the Temple will have to buy any rights that Mr. Conant has. He stated that Mr. Stevens is working with Mr. Daniel Lynch, attorney for Mr. Conant , A group of residents in the Woodhaven area met with the Board and Mr. Carroll explained why the Board decided to postpone a request for funds to install sewer laterals in the area until 1964. One resident said that the group felt the health situation is so bad that these things should be done simultaneously. Mr. Carroll explained that the Board has requests Woodhaven amounting to $600,000, a large portion of which is the sewer Woodhaven area. The Chairman explained that the original policy is to put the trunk in one year and the laterals the fol- lowing year. A resident asked why the sewer and laterals could not be done at the same time, and Mr . Carrollapplied that they could if the Board approved an additional $300,000. He stated that he is familiar with the situation and he originally proposed the trunk sewer . He explained that the Board could not disregard the possibility of receiving $170,000 in Federal aid, and therefore decided to wait this year. He said he could have some preliminary engi- neering done but would not recommend running a dry sewer until grades weee taken. One of the men said he thought a connection should be made to the sewer the minute the sewer is ready to be connected to . Mr. Cole said the Board could forego obtaining another petition. Mr. Carroll =ported that he told Mrs. Howard the petition would stand. The Chairman said the Board would review the situ- ation to see if it could get the time lapse out of the way. The group retired at 8:20 P.M. The Chairman suggested appropriating money for engineering services at a Special Town Meeting and said this might mean that a contract could be let out in April or May. Mr. Edwin A. Hartley, 1027 N. Aighteenth Street , Allentown, Pennsylvania, met with the Board relative Applicatt to the position of Executive Assistant. Executive The Chairman said he understood Mr. Hartley has Assistant recently retired from the military service, read his 55 letter and gave him the slary range. He explained the position and what the Board would like the Executive Assistant to do. He also explained the departments under the Board' s jurisdiction, committees and Boards appointed by the Selectmen and the elected officers Mr. Hartley asked what support the Executive Assistant would have by way of clerical help, and the Chairman replied that he supposed at the moment it would have to be as developed. He said the Board did not want to add any mare help than is needed. Mr. Hartley asked if the individual would hive to live in Lexington, and the Chairman replied in the nega- tive. Mr. Hartley inquired about tenure , and Mr. hichards explained that the board does not give a contract and tenure does not apply except in the School Department. The Chairman said the Board would let Mr. Hartley know its decision and he retired at 8:35 P.M. Mr. Albert Gray, Jr. , 406 Griswold Road, Wethers- field 9, Connectinut, met with the Board relative to the position of Executive Assistant . The Chairman explained the position and what the Board would like the Executive Assistant to do. He Applicant also explained the departments under the Board' s juris- Executive diction, committees and Boards appointed by the Sel otmen Assistant and the elected officers. Mr. Gray said he has had thirteen years ' experience as Town Manager and started in Meredith, New Hampshire as the first manager of that town. He left there after two years and took a position at Old Orchard Beach then went to Michigan for city experience. He started in Wethersfield in 1954 and the population there is 23,000. nt The- Chairman said he spoke to Mr.Gray about the salary range and at the time, he said he would like to get close to $11,000. Mr. Gray said that was correct. Mr. Richards asked if he lived in Wethersfield, and he replied in the affirmative stating that he owns his house and has three children. In answer to a question he said he was forty-two. He said he would need thirty days to take care of his present business which is real estates, The Chairman said he thought the appointment would take effect some time after the March Town Meeting. Mr. Gray said he would not plan to move his family until school closes, and the Chairman stated that the Board would not require him to live in Lexington. Mr. Gray retired at 8:55 P.M. I 156 mr Mr. Anthony Busa met with the Board and presented a definitive plan that he intends to submit to the Planning Boa d, but said he had to decide where he is to connect to the sewer He said he wanted to connect with the sewer into the MDC manhole which will serve Sections 8 and 9 in the future. Mr. garroll explained that this would cost the Town money when the relief sewer is built, possibly Buse sewer $10,000. He said the other way would be to connect connection into the Town sewer at Lillian Road. Mr. Busa said he wanted to know if the Town would reimburse him for the difference of the cost. Mr. Carroll estimated the difference in cost would be approximately $1,000. The Chairman said the Board would discuss the subject promptly and let him know. Mr. Busa retired at 9:03 P.M. Mr. Carroll said permission could be obtained from the M.D.C . Mr. Richards said he thought each case that comas up will be different, and it is definitely known that the relief sewer will be constructed. He said it may be that the Board will have to consider each connection and find in some instances that it will be less expensive to the Town to participate in the cost or even avoid con- necting to the main sewer. The Chairman said he would tell Mr. Busa that the Board will give him a decision next Monday. Mr. William Seabrook, 303 Woburn Street, met with the Board and said that two years ago, the Richards Board of Lumber Co. Inc. , obtained permission from the Board of Appealst Appeals to operate a building supply business. There violation was to be no manufacturing, cut boards of do anything They were not t'o have any machinery in the building and have violated every restriction. He said a year ago, they were before the Board again, at which time , he was present at the hearing and registered in opposition. He said at that time, they denied they had power machines He stated that Mr. Irwin saw the machines but never saw them in operation. He reported that Mr. Nickerson told them they were not to use the machinery or pile lumber in the yard, but they still do. He said they are not supposed to operate before nine but start at six in the morning. He said they use the drive at the side of his house and the man who owns the lumber company is a relative of Mr. Currier and Mr. Green is an owner of the lumber company, The Chairman asked if Mr. Seabrook wanted enforce- ment, and if it became necessary, would he be a withess 1,517 Mr. Seabrook replied in the affirmative. Mr. Seabrook retired at 9:15 P.M. and it was de- cided to request the Building Inspector to submit a report. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meetings held Minutes on January 26, 29 and 30. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the St. Brigid's Holy Name Society permission Permit to operate a booth at the east corner of Depot Square on April 19, 1963. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve payment of travel costs in the amount of $37 incurred by William A. Sommers, an applicant for the position of Executive Assistant. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr. John J. Rudd, Jr. , to the Town Celebrations Committee for an unexpired term ending April 30, 1964 to Appointment fill the vacancy caused by Mr Leo Poplawski ' s resignation 11 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr Robert H. Farwell an Associate Member Appointment of the Board of Appeals for an unexpired term ending March 31, 1963; Mr. mdward Martin having declined the appointment . Mr. Burnell suggested that the Board request the Planning Board to submit a list of names as possible appointees to the board of Appeals. Letter to the Board of Fire Commissioners relative to Personal Services budget was held over . Fire Dept budget Decision relative to the Law Department budgets was held over. Law budgets The Planning Board and a group of residents from the Five Fields area met with the Board relative to the proposed relocation of Route 2 - Lexington Inter- change Mr. Mabee presented the members of the Board with a draft of a letter to be sent to the State Department of Public Works in which reference was made to Scheme One and Scheme Two, both of which were explained by Mr. Relocation Carroll. of Route 2 Mr. Mabee reported that the Planning Board feels that Scheme One is by far the better plan and Scheme Two is better than what the State proposes. 158 3r Mr. Caleb Warner, speaking for fifty-seven families in the Five Fields community said they had no chance to see any of these schemes with the Plan- ning Boardy_€ nd he would like to enter his Scheme #1 deadending Concord Avenue and providing some emergency access through Old Shade Street or from Concord Avenue onto a culdesac He said the Planning Board's Scheme One is his Scheme Two. He said the group was present this evening to say that they are definite and unanimous in their feelings about this matter and are dead set against the Planning Board Scheme Two. He said the "right turn" sign would last about a year and pressure would be brought to have it eliminated. Mr. Carroll said this would be a permanent solution and not a temporary one. Mr. Mabee said that the Planning Board is dead set against deadending Concord Avenue and does not think it is a good idea Mr. Carroll said he has also stated that he did not think it was a good idea. Mr. Mabee said the Planning Board is all for number one in the letter and this is what they think should be pushed for, and everything possible should be done to get the on ramp on Route 2. The Board of Selectmen was unanimously in favor of the proposition presented by the Planning Board. The Planning 1'oard and the group of residents from the area retired at 10 10 P.M. Messrs. Blaisdell, Battin, Kingston and White met with the Board. Mr. Blaisdell referred to the limited amount of free cash and reported that he and Mr. White went in to see Mr. McKinnon and Mr Wilson. He reported that Road funds in the Road Machinery Account should have been [aczinery transferred to the Excess and Deficiency Account at Account the end of each year but this has not been done, and this year the Stte questioned the $98,000 in the account. He reported that Mr. McKinnon has ruled that the handling of the Road Machinery Fund has been illegal. Following a report of Mr. Blaisdell's discussion with the State, it was agreed by all present- that the Road Machinery Fund should be closed out . It was agreed to meet at 9:30 Saturday morning to continue work on budgets. The Appropriation Committee and Mr. Carroll retired at 11:05 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the following Taxi Driver licenses, subject I9 to written satisfactory character references from the Chief Fulton S. Butler Taxi Driver Licenses Joseph T. Clarke Douglas E. Hogan Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign layouts of the following streets to be presented for acceptance at the Annual Town Meeting in March: Street Layouts Alcott Road Fulton Road Ames Avenue Baskin Road Freemont Street Eastern Avenue Bowser Road Jeffrey Terrace Manning Street Brown Road Lillian Road Winter Street Burroughs Road Oxbow Road Todd Road Constitution Road Roosevelt Road Douglas Road Cooke Road Ross Road Drew Road Saddle club Road The meeting adjourned at 11:15 P.M. A true record, Attest: 1 . -Exe6utiv# Clerk, Selec (en