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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1959-12-21-BOS-min SELECTMEN'S MEETING December 21, 1959 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, December 21, 1959, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Maloney, Messrs. Adams, Ferguson and Mrs. Morey were present. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk were also present. Mr. James arrived at the meeting at 8:10 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting Minutes held on December 14, 1959. Mr. Stevens referred to the subject of supplying water to the Air Force in Bedford. The Chairman explained that he had received a call and expected a letter today in reply to the Board's letter of December 7. He was advised by C olonek Sexton that he felt authority has been given to negotiate . Apparently the subject has never been discussed with Colonel Richardson, Commander of the base, and he has set January 7, 1959 as a date to meet with the Board and discuss the subject. Water supply Mr. Stevens reported that Mr. Toole , of the MDC , to Bedford would like to discuss an agreement by the middle of the month. Mr. Carroll presented a plan and explained a proposed change in the route of the sewer for Itek, the change being for the purpose of avoiding the land owned by the United States government. He reported the difference in cost to be approximately $15,000 more . The Chairman said that he was not in favor of any change from the original plan. Mr. Stevens advised the Board that there should be something of an official nature to permit the Town to go through government-owned land, and explained that the government could, after the installation has been made, notify the town to remove the main within a specified period of time . The Chairman said he thought the property would be improved as a result of the installation, and Mr. Ferguson said that if a change is going to increase 394 CV 0.4 the cost by $18,000, he thought the Board should look into the original proposal first. Mr. Stevens explained that if some agreement is not arrived at on the water situation and the Town stops furnishing water, the Air Force may take the matter to court. He said it is possible that the Itek sewer government may take the view that the Town has a location sewer line through its property, for which it has no easement, and notify the Town to remove it in three months. He said the Board must decide whether its water position is strong; if the water is shut off and the Air Force needs water very badly. He said as far as he was concerned, that would be the procedure, but whatever decision is made, is the Board's decision. Mr. Carroll said that he was certain no easement would be obtained before the sewer is installed, and if the Board wants the sewer in for Itek, but not without an easement in hand, the sewer won' t go in. After discussing the location of the sewer at the junction of Hartwell Avenue and Maguire Road, it was voted to follow the original plan submitted by Mr. Carroll with the understanding that he is to contact the C ommander of the base . Mr. Stevens retired at 8:40 F.M. Further consideration was given to Mr. Henning Swenson's request for deferment of water betterment assessments levied against property owned by him and located on Allen Street. Swenson Mr. Carroll reported that he talked to Mr. Swenson water bet- and advised him that the Board suggested that he es- terment tablish one lot on Allen Street upon which his house assessment is located. However, he would prefer not to do that . He wants to pay for 1440 feet along Allen Street and have the remainder deferred. Mr. Carroll was requested to have plans made clearly defining what portions of the betterments are to be deferred to be filed with the Assessors, Col- lector and Accountant Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, to extend the time for payment of $1,594.50 (1063.00 feet) and $1,066.50 (711.00 feet) , without interest, until said land or any part thereof is built upon, sold or until the expiration of three years from the date hereof, whichever event occurs first; provided, however, that this extension of time shall terminate immediately if the facilities of the water main are used for said land or any part thereof. This deferment is made subject to Mr. Swenson paying $660.00 for t40.00 feet. 295 The Chairman read a letter from the Mystic Valley Gas Company relative to a proposed extension of a 2" high pressure gas main in Highland Avenue to supply Gas gas to #31 Highland Avenue Mr. Carroll said he would prefer not granting a permit there this year unless it is absolutely neces- sary. It was agreed to leave the matter to Mr. Carroll's discretion. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Spirts relative to Mr. William Spierd request for the installation of a sidewalk on Lowell Street . Mr. Spirts investigated the situation with Mr. Cumming, principal of the Harrington School, and be- Sidewalk lieves the request to be reasonable . They therefore recommend construction of a sidewalk from Haskell Street along the east side of Lowell Street to Westminster Avenue . The subject is to be given further consideration when the 1960 sidewalk budget is discussed. The Chairman read letters from Mr. J. W. Donohue, 23 Baskin Road and Mr. Frank J. Gaziano, 18 Baskin Road, with further reference to the Town dump on Lincoln Street. Mr. Ferguson said that some of the recommendations made in Mr. Carroll' s report, requiring no expenditure of funds, could be put into effect. Mrs . Morey suggested a charge of $1.50 per load starting January lst. Mr. Carroll explained that if he is going to have Dump enforcement as well as collection of fees, it will neses- sitate two men full time, and no funds will be available until April 1st. The Chairman asked who would have to pay for the use of the dump and Mr. Ferguson replied that all vehicles with a commercial license and he suggested a fee of $2.00. It was agreed to advise Mr. Donohue and Mr. Gaziano that the Board recognizes the problem and is studying it, but does not anticipate any change in location of the dump in the immediate future . However, it will do what it can to correct a health menace if any exists . Mr. Carroll retired at 9:20 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Mr. Stevens ' bill for professional services Bill in the amount of $5,000. 396 , rD cc The Chairman read a letter from the National Music and Radio Corp. Inc . , advising that a request has been received from Clyde Hager and William Davies, partners Music of the Early Bird Doughnut Shop, 399 Lowell Street, for machine installation of a music machine . The Board felt that a coin music machine would encourage gathering of teenagers with possible undesirable results. The Chairman agreed to discuss the subject with the owners of the shop. The Clerk reported that the Dog Officer came into the Selectmen's Office and explained that the County Commissioners would like a letter from the Board author- Dog izing them to pay Mr. LaRose, the second Dog Officer, Officer direct for dogs he destroys . Under the present system, he is paid by the Town and the Town is reimbursed by the County, but the money goes into the E and D and not the Dog Officer's budget. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Commissioners to pay Mr. Eugene M. LaRose (La Rose Kennels) direct for all dogs destroyed by him. The Chairman asked if the Board should or should not become involved in the Fire Department's request to purchase a second-hand truck, which was brought to the Board's attention. He explained that the Commissioners want the truck essentially for snow removal. Mr. James said he does not approve purchasing second- hand equipment but if it is essentially for plowing snow, he would be in favor of it. Fire Depart- Mr. Adams said the truck to be purchased is ten ment truck years old and he was opposed to a policy of purchasing second-hand equipment. Mr. James suggested asking Mr. Carroll if there would be any problem in swinging the plow into the Fire Department yard every time it went up Bedford Street . He felt that if there is no problem, and all the Depart- ment needs the truck for is plowing snow, there is no need for it. The Chairman agreed to discuss the subject with Mr. Carroll. Mr. Adams said that as the budgets come in, pre- pared by the Department heads, he would like to run them in his paper as news ctpries. It was bhe opinion orftither members of the Board that publishing the budgets as submitted would not serve any useful purpose and they were opposed. 1 397 The Board had no objection to the totals being pub- lished compared to other years. Letter was received from Senator William C . Madden, together with copy of a proposed formula for distribution of corporation income and meals taxes by the State to the Cities and Towns. It was agreed to refer the letter to Mr. Cronin for his comments. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M. A true record, Attest: -xec tiv® Clerk, Se leetieen. # Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Mary A. Rowland Five Forks Spa 150 Lowell Street Common Victualler 286 Lincoln Street Meredith Foods, Inc. 321 Woburn Street " " Colonial Garage, Inc . 1668 Mass. Avenue 1st Class Agent Mawhinney Motor Sales 581 Marrett Road r- I