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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1960-01-11-min 417 SELECTMEN'S MEETING January 11, 1960 A. regular meeting of the Boad of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on M nday, January 11, 1960, at 7:30 B.M. Messrs. James, Adams, Ferguson and Mrs. Morey were present. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk were also pre- sent . re- sent . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to elect Mr.James as Chairman to serve in the absence of Mr. Maloney. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign .a deed, prepared by Mr.Stevens, of lots 64-68 Bellflower Street and lots 69-72 Hamblen Street. The Tax title deed is the same as the one executed by the Board on December 7, 1959, except that the restriction on lot 6!4. on Bellflower Street is that it be combined with lots 42 and 63 rather than with lots 59 to 63 inclusive . Mr. Stevens discussed the cases of Millican and Ives who brought suit against the Town for taking of properties for the new Junior High School . Before they brought suit, some discussion had been carried on about making an exchange . He presented a plan and Millican, explained it was based on discussions with Millican and Ives and the School Department, through Mr . Spiris. He lands outlined the properties acquired from Ivens and Millican. He explained that if it is decided to turn a certain parcel over to Millis.an, it will be twice as much as the Town received and would have to be with restrictions; some of the restrictions being that he should not use the land for a sign location of any kind, a driveway or sidewalk. He reported that Mr Millican contends he wants to beautify the area He said he thought the School Department does not want to be responsible for the upkeep of the land. He said he was merely bringing the subject up so the Board could be thinking about it as it will be necessary to insert an article in the warrant . The Chairman read a .letter from Colonel Richardson, Bedford Air Force, advising that the Air Force is vitally concerned with the problem of sufficient water for Laurence G.Hanscom Field but has no funds to make an outright cash payment to the Town as requested, in part payment for the 418 cc construction of additional water distribution facilities At the present time , the Air Force can only pay its Water, share of any capital improvements by considering, if Air Force necessary, an equitable adjustment in water rates . It would require that the Town pay all facility cost and amortize the costa through an increase in the water rate . It was agreed to have Whitman & Howard institute and complete a water rate study to determine the cost of water for all classes of users of the Town' s water distribution system. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Helen Collins, Fence 1411. Forest Street, relative to damage to her fence caused by weight of snow pushed against it at the end of Jackson Court. Mr. Carroll was authorized to make whatever repairs he deems necessary next spring. Mr. Carroll retired at 8:25 P.M. to meet with the Appropriat inn Committee . A second letter was recAived fromRaymond Doucette, 33 Reed Street, claiming damages to his car as a result of running into a large stone while entering the dump. Mr. Stevens reported that he wrote to Mr. Doucette Claim and told him it was not a matter in which the Town has any liability. He suggested that the Board acknowledge the letter and tell Mr. Doucette it has been referred to Town Counsel. If he has any questions, he should contact Mr. Stevens . Mr. Stevens retired at 8:35 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve bond in the sum of $2500 on behalf of Bond Frederick J. Wright, Deputy Collector; said bond having been approved by the Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation. The Chairman read a letter from David Kidd, Presi- dent of the East Lexington Men' s Club, requesting that Invitation a member of the Board meet with the Club on February 29 to review the articles to he presented at the Annual Town Meeting. Chief Rycroft met with the Board at 8:30 P.M. to discuss budgets. The Chairman asked if he was recommending an in- crease for the policewomen and the Chief replied that he did not make any recommendation to the Appropriation Committee because he preferred to discuss the budget with the Selectmen first . He said the policewomen 419 had requested an increase but he did not think it should be $25. He thought $10 or $15 would be Enough. He said Newton probably had policewomen before any other town and they are paying $112.50 per month, and one town, only one he knows of, is paying $125. The Chairman asked if the Chief was recommending an increase of $200 in the annual rate of the officers and reduce the time from twelve years to six. The Chief replied in the affirmative . The Chairman asked how many officers this reduction in tins would affect, and the Chief replied that there are six or seven now at maximum and would affect all the other officers in some degree . The Chief explained that the automatic increases will amount to $1800 and a 5% increase for the department will amount to $5,193.22 A reduction in time from twelve to six years will cost $2,200. He did not put on a new man until the first of April and the first three months this year, plus the other nine months, amounts to $4,985. He explained that if the $200 increase is approved, there will be fifteen men at $5,000• three at $4,900; two at $4,800; 2 at $4,700; five at $41450: one at $4,000; Lieutenant, $6,000; Sergeants, 65,500. Chief Rycroft reported that he told Mr. LaRosa , second Dog Officer, that he would let him know when budgets are being discussed so that he could meet with the Board and explain why he needs more money He said Dog Officer about June he usually requests more money, and he will not do what he is supposed to do with the bills. He said if he won't straighten it out, a change will have to be made . The Board felt that the subject should be dis- cussed with Officer Porten. Chief Rycroft retired at 9:30 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following j/o pole locations, all having, Pole been approved by Mr. Carroll: locations Burlington Street, northeasterly from the intersection of Hancock and North Hancock Streets, -- Two poles - guy wire and anchor on the 2nd pde (Two existing i/o poles to be removed) . Hamilton Road, southeasterly side, northeasterly from a point approximately 65 feet northeast of Ledge- lawn Avenue , -- Five poles . 420zm n od Wildwood Road, northwesterly side, approximately 20 feet northeast of Wood Street, -- One pole Wildwood Road, northwesterly side , southwesterly from a point approximately 20 feet southwest of Patterson Road,-- Two poles. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Nickerson, Chairman of the Board of Appeals, advising that there Transfer is only $625 available in the expense account to pay Mr. Norman May' s bill for services representing the Board of Appeals in the Planning Board suit . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $125 from the Reserve Fund to the Board of Appeals' Expense Account . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign application for Certificate of Incorporation Cert . of on behalf of Mr. Richard Purinton, Jr., 11 Muzzey Inc. Street, under the name of Electronic Conference Corpo- ration. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Mitchell Spiris with reference to Dr. C . C . Wang' s request to purchase a triangular piece of property adjacent to hii home Sale of which abuts the Fiske School land. The School Department land does not feel that it wants to recommend the disposition of the property as there are some questions as to the relative merits of such a sale . The Department is con- cerned tom the point of view of land usage for the Fiske School and also for the possible use of the property in the expansion of the approaches to the school and recom- mends delaying a decision until all consequences of the disposition have been considered. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Irwin reporting on his investigation of the property at 9 Pearl Street, Inspection owned by Mr. Joseph Goodwin. It was agreed to have inspections made by the Board of Health and the Fire Department. The Chairman read letter from Mr. Cronin, Clerk to the Board of Assessors, relative to Senator Madden' s House No. inquiry concerning House No. 2323. 2323 It was agreed to send a copy of Mr. Cronin's analysis to Senator Madden. 421 The Chairman referred to the letter frau the Board of Assessors relative to revaluation of real estate for assessment purposes, a copy of which was mailed to the Board, and it was agreed that this is a subject to be discussed with the Assessors . Application was received from the Battle Green Inn for permission to hold college-conducted all day study courses in Estabrook Hall during the months of September, October, November and December . Use of hall The Board felt that the hall is primarily for the use of the citizens of the Town and also that it should not be reserved for such an extended period of time for one group. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny the request. The Chairman read a letter from Richard I. Miller, attorney, relative to the employment intelligence office license issued to Mrs. Mary Lou Mades, 1736 Massachusetts Avenue . Mr. Miller has incorporated the business under License the name of Pan American Enterprises, Inc ., and asked to have the license issued to Mrs . Mades transferred to the corporation for the balance of its term, May 1, 1960 . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to transfer the employment intelligence office license from Mrs. Mary Lou Mades to the Pan American Enterprises, Inc. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a Common Victualler' s license to Mrs. Anna B. License Philips, 29 Depot Square . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Sele etment s Meeting held on Monday, January L., 1960 . The Planning Board met with the Selectmen at 10:08 P.M. The first subject discussed was Lillian Road, and Mr. Busats request that the Town contribute toward the cost of construction of a culvert. Busa Mr. Snow presented a coordinated sheet of part of culvert the Town and indicated the locations of Massachusetts Avenue and the Great Meadows, Summer Street, Lowell Street and that portion of Lillian Road now under con- struction, and the streets in the area He said one possibility is that there could be a connection through the Busa property and indicated on the sheets two alter- na.te vproposals . 422 CV The Chairman asked if there would be a crossing , II somewhere , in any event, and Mr. Snow replied in the affirmative . The Chairman said it appears that any plan is devious until the construction of Emerson Road and Mr. Snow said that was correct, there is no direct way across . The Chairman asked if the Planning Board had any objection to Lillian Road crossing there , and Mr. Abbott replied that he did not think so. Mr. Snow reported that he and Mr. Carroll discussed this a long time ago and thought Mr. Busa should have laid out the entire street and developed it without doing it in sections, thus the development would have paid for the culvert He had four subdivisions before he even made this crossing. Now two of the lots are so low Mr. Carroll says cannot be used for house lots, but must be used as an easement. The Board of Health will not recommend building on the next two lots until such time as they are filled. Mr. Abbott explained that Mr. Busa is now at the point unless he receives help on the culvert, it will not be economical for him to complete it . He said it raises a question as to whether or not helping Mr. Buaa will establish a precedent and is it worthwhile other than to make the crossing. Mr. Abbott said that Lillian Road has not been discussed by the Board but some of the members felt there is some value to it at this time because if Maple Street is blocked off, the Fire apparatus could use it. However, they prefer to leave it to the Board of Selectmen to determine the amount of value . Mr. Snow said that Mr . Carroll estimated the cost of the culvert to be $9,000. Mrs . Morey asked if the culvert was to take care of Town drainage and Mr. Snow replied in the negative . He said that there is no'-more water running through than there ever has been but the peaks are higher. Mr. Abbott said he understood that Mr. Buss has to provide for the construction of the land as he finds it. Mr. Snow reported that the brook has always been a burden on Mr. Busa's land. Mr. Ferguson asked if the Planning Board did or did not think it would be in the best interest of the Town to spend Town money to put in a box culvert. Mr. Abbott replied that the Planning Board thinks it is in the best interest of the Town to put Lillian Road through and spend some of the Town' s money as this is the only road tying the two areas together, except Maple Street, until Emerson Road is built. He said it would be an advantage to the Town. 423 Mr. Ferguson asked if it would be advantageous enough that the Planning Board would be willing to - recommend it to the Town Meeting . Mr. Abbott replied he thought that was a decision for the Board of Selectmen and this would not be a Planning Board article . He said the Planning Board has not officially voted on it, but he thought the Board would want it . Mr. Ferguson said the Selectmen wanted to find out if the Planning Board felt it was worthwhile for the Town to spend some money to have this road con- structed and would be guided by the Planning Board's decision. Mr. Abbott said he felt it would be an advantage to the Town but how much would be for the Selectmen to determine . Mrs . Morey said the Selectmen do not want to es- tablish a policy on an oversized drain. Mr. Abbott said it is not known. when Emerson Road will go thi,ough and Lillian Road would be of some value to the Town but the Selectmen will have to decide how much value . He said the Planning Board thinks the road would be of value and the only reluctance is that the Town should spend any money. He suggested that the Selectmen talk with Mr. Busa and find out how much he wants. He said he did not think it was the Planning Board' s province to determine how much money is involved. Mr. Snow said it is a matter of negotiating and suggested starting at 50% of the cost of the culvert and work down. Mr. Abbott referred to the Master Plan and said it is growing plan for Lexington and includes all the properties for the growing population and the streets. Master The Chairman asked if it was landuuse, and Mr. Plan Abbott replied that it is for everything and the Board would know from the report. Mr. Ferguson asked when the Master Plan would be ready, and Mr . Abbott replied that it is something that will not be completed for twenty-five years because it is a growing plan. Mr. Ferguson stated t}at people were under the im- pression that it would be a completed plan and one that could be seen. Mr. Abbott said that many people had that impression and that is why the Planning Board is getting out a re- port. He said the classification of Master Plan is in- correct and it should be extra personal services to im- plement the Master Plan Mr. Snow retired at ll:15 P.M. 424 '.e n ov The Chairman explained that the Board of Selectmen is adopting an increase of 5% but has not as yet dis- cussed the salaries of department heads such as Mr . Snow. It was determined they would be discussed more Salaries orless as a group or an individual. Mr Abbott said that the Planning Board thinks Mr. Snow should have received a 5% increase last year but were told that there would be no increases at all; He said the Planning Board feels Mr. Snow is underpaid for a man of his ability and he does not see how an engineer of his caliber can be kept working for the Town unless his salary is increased. He reported that Mr. Snow works sixty hours a week many weeks, and takes home work because there is not enough help in his office and because other things demand his time . The Planning Board thinks he should have a 5% increase this year and should have had a 5% increase last year. The Chairman asked if the Planning Board intended to ask for more help. Mr. Mabee said that he agreed Mr. Snow is under- paid, and it is more important to raise his salary to where it should be than to ask for more help, be- cause he thought that would hurt the cause . Mr. Abbott said that Mr. Snow receives requests from the Selectmen, School Sites Committee, School Committee . Mr. Mabee said he thought Mr. Snow should have a junior engineer who could handle some of the work for him. The Planning Board retired at 11:35 P.M. and the meeting adjourned. A true record, Attest: A ec ive lark, Select . tY G