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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1959-06-29-BOS-min 194 CV SELEC TMEN'S MEETING June 29, 1959 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Build- ing, on Monday, June 29, 1959, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Maloney, Messrs . James, Adams, Ferguson and Mrs. Morey were present Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, Mr Stevens, Town Counsel, and the Executive Clerk were also present. The Chairman read a letter from the League of Women Voters, North Reading, advising that a study is being made of a five-member Board of Selectmen and the resources of study include interviews with the Chairman of towns operating with a five-man Board. The League would like to meet with the Chairman, or any other member of the Board who might be interested, some evening other than a regular meeting night for a thorough discussion and to obtain answers to a set of questions that the League will have prepared. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Minutes to approve the minutes, as checked, of the Selectmen' s Meeting held on June 22, 1959. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Tele- graph Company for permission to locate two poles, guy wire and anchor on the second pole , on Grant Street. Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Com- pany, was the only person present at the hearing. He explained that there is a house under construction at the corner of Grant and East Streets and it is neces- sary to set two poles to bring service to the house . The proposed locations were approved by Mr. Carroll and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition for the following poles and guy wire : Grant Street, easterly side, southerly from a point approximately 20 feet south of East Street,-- Two poles - guy wire and anchor from second pole . Mr. Mahon retired at 7:L0 P.M. 195 IIUpon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the fol- lowing f/© pole locations ; all having been approved by Mr. Carroll: Minute Man Lane, northerly side, easterly from a point approximately 30' east of Battle Green Road,-- Twelve poles; Sky View Road, northerly side, westerly from a point approximately 170' west of Rangeway,-- Six poles; Whipple Road, northeasterly frau a point approxi- mately 20 feet northeast of Lowell Stred,-- Twenty-one poles; Locke Lane , northeasterly side, southeasterly from a point approximately 25 feet southeast of Fairlawn Lane ,-- Sixteen poles ; Winter Street, northerly side, easterly frau a point approximately 80 feet east of Marvin ' Street,-- Two poles ; Winter Street, northerly side, westerly from a point approximately 15 feet west of Marvin Street,-- Thirteen poles. The Chairman read a memo from Mr. Snow, Planning Consultant, relative to a system for identifying the sections of proposed Worthen Road . Mr. Carroll suggested that the first section be Worthen Road assigned street numbers, as has already been done, but to number them 1A, 3A and 7A He suggested that the numbering be continued on the second section between Massachusetts Avenue and Waltham Street and that the letter B be placed after the numbers; and that the letter C be placed after the numbers on the last section. He said when the road is entirely built, or when any length is connected, the letters could be removed. Mrs . Morey said that in discussing the subject with Mr. Abbott, Chairman of the Planning Board, that is what he agreed to. She said each section sho.4d have a let- ter A, B, O, D or whatever it may be, so that the sections can easily be located. 196 :t7 7 CC Mr. Ferguson was in favor of the system proposed by Mr. Snow and said he felt Mr. Carroll' s suggestion might be confusing. Mr. Carroll said he thought it was more important to establish some policy for identifying Emerson Road, and explained that a section of this road is now built between Adams and East Streets and there is a section to be built down at Maple Street; these sections being a mile apart. Mr. Adams said the only possible hardhhip is the fact that the legal street number will be 101B and when it is changed there will be some trouble . The Chairman asked Mr. Carroll to give the subject some more thought and report at another meeting. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Nickerson, Chairman of the Board of Appeals, requesting that an article be inserted in the warrant for the next Town Board of Meeting to increase the number of Associate Members Appeals of the Board from four to five . article Mr. Stevens said he did not recallthat there is any limitation in the Statute, but there would have to be a hearing before the Planniw Board and that Board should have it in mind. The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of the letter to the Planning Board. Further consideration was given to the offer to purchase tax title lots on Circle Road and Mr. Snow' s memorandum. Circle Mr. Stevens said that under the Zoning By-Law Road a street is defined as a public way, a street approved by the Planning Board or one in which the Public have rights. He said he did not know that Circle Road con- formed to any of those requirements and he did not know how long that one house has been there . Mr. Ferguson reported that it was there before 1934. Mr. Carroll said that a car could be driven over the road, but very slowly. Mr. Stevens said that there might be private rights as distinguished from public rights, and he would have to obtain more information. The Chairman explained that there are people who own lots on the street and can build on those lots. Mr. Stevens said that if the way has been opened to the public, the public have rights, and each case has to be considered by itself. He said the Board also has the policy question, whether or not the street is such that the Board wants to encourage development. 197 Mrs. Morey said that there is no Town water in the street and if the lots are sold and built upon, requests will be received for water . Mr. Carroll reported that Mr. Buss, hs.s built two new houses and has his own wells. The Chairman said that each case such as this may have to be decided upon as it presents itself. It was agreed ;.that Mr. Stevens would check into this particular case and report to the Board. Mr. Stevens reported on a meeting that he and Mr. Carroll attended relative to the M.D.C . sewer. It was agreed that Mr. Stevens and Mr. Carroll M.D.C .Sewer would review the information obtained at the meeting and then arrange to meet with Mr. James to figure the possible cost to the Town . Mr. Stevens retired at 8:45 P.M. Mr. Carroll advised that he went over the street bids received last week and gave a verbal report. He explained that the amount of money available is $120,000 and the low bid is $136,501. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, inasmuch as all bids received were in excess of the ' available appropriation, to reject all bids, revise the contract documents and to readvertise . Mrs . Morey did not vote on the subject. Mr. Carroll reported that he contacted Mr. Beck- with of Anderson, Beckwith and Haible , architects for Raytheon. He explained, by use of a sketch, what Raytheon now plans to do, and informed Mr. Beckwith what was in- volved insofar as installation of a water main is con- cerned. Mr. Beckwith is going to call a meeting and Raytheon suggested that Mr. Carroll attend. water Mr. Ferguson asked why the Town was insisting on a 12" main and Mr. Carroll explained that it would com- plete a loop and connect a 12" main with a 12" main. Mr. Carroll gave a brief report and brought the Board up to date as to the status of the various con- tracts that have been let. Mr. Carroll reported that he has a personnel probe m that was brought to his attention this week. The Clerks in his department are extremely disturbed because the Board of Health has recently employed a Salary High School girl at a salary rate of $51.00 per week. It was voted to advise the Board of Health that the starting salary is $1{1 .00 a week and therefore 198 I' rz tv the salary now being paid of $51.00 should be adjusted. ' Mr. Carroll retired at 9:00 P.M. Mrs. Morey reported that the Traffic Study Com- mittee held a meeting, all members being present with the exception of Mr. Snow. One of the subjects dis- cussed was request from the Minute Man Highlands As- sociation that Pleasant Street between Route 2 and Request for Concord Avenue be limited to light trucking. light truck- Chief Rycroft feels that the Town will not be ing only able to get co-operation from the State as that De- partment does not like to eliminate heavy trucking and most of the trucking on that section now is on a temporary basis . Mrs . Morey said that there is a great deal of trucking coming from Maple Street, going up Pleasant Street. She said material has to be moved and it has to be done by trucks going over the streets. She ex- plained that the truckers pay $600 license fee and have a right to use the streets, and the Town cannot prohibit it without State approval. Mr. Adams reported that the Chief is very much opposed to limiting this section and said that he doubted very much if the State would approve another street in Lexington insofar as light trucking is con- cerned. Mr. Ferguson suggested that the Board amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations and let the State decide . Mrs. Morey said the Chief asked why one section of a street should be limited just because someone wants it. Mr. Adams said he was opposed to making a change just on a complaint. He said this is an old street leading to a county way which is supposed to be a main way, and the trucks travelling there now are using it on a temporary basis. Mr. Ferguson said the street these people want to cut off is just a short one and there are other ways to get onto the County or State roads. Mrs . Morey pointed out that the people on Con- cord Avenue and WalnutStreet have not complained. Mr. Adams said this change would be a disorderly way to run a traffic pattern, and if this request is granted, it will be establishing a precedent and other similar requests all over town will have to be granted. Mrs. Morey suggested that the people be advised the trucking is of a temporary nature and does not warrant such a regulation and that the Board will keep a check on it. ' 199 Mr,. Ferguson asked what would be done and Mrs. Morey replied that the overloading of trucks could be stopped. Mr. James asked what makes this a temporary situation, and the Chairman explained that there is building and construction going on in the area. Nr. Ferguson explained that he thought the Board should make the decision and not write these people that the State would not approve such a regu- lation. Mrs . Morey reported that the Traffic Stgdy Com- mittee did not recommend amending the Traffic Rules and R gulations to limit this section of Pleasant Street to light trucking. Mr. James said he was only opposed because of the fact that if the regulations are amended for this one street, the Board will then have to amend them for other streets. It was agreed to advise the Minute Man Highlands Association that the Board has received a report from the Traffic Study Committee, and it is the opinion of the Board that the trucking is of a temporary nature and does not warrant limiting the use of a short section of Pleasant Street to light trucking. Mrs. Morey reported that the Committee considered the parking situation on Bedford Street and Harrington Road, together with the suggestions listed by the Fire Commissioners in a letter to the Board dated June 2, 1959. She informed the Board that the Committee re- commended the following: 1. No parking on the right-hand side of Bedford Street for a distance of twenty feet, from Harrington Road going towards Bedford 2. No parking on the right-hand side of Harrington Road for a distance of twenty feet, from Bedford Street going towards Massachusetts Avenue . 3. No parking on either side of Harrington Road be- tween Bedford Street and Hancock Street. 4. No parking on either side of Hancock Street from Harrington Road to the railroad tracks. 5. Paint the curbings red, as a temporary measure , to find out whether or not the no parking is obeyed without theerection of signs . The recommendations were approved as submitted. Zoo m Mrs . Morey referred to the parking in the area of Bedford and Reed Streets, where Mr. MacKay is erect- Parking ( ing his building, and reported that t he Committee would like to keep that in view and will have a recommendation before the building is open for business. She also reported that the State is making a study of the Five Forks, Lowell and Maple Street areas, in regard to traffic control and a report will soon be avail- able . Plans are being worked out for control of traffic at Countryside and will be ready soon. The Traffic Committee recommends not waiting for the School Department to include Paul Revere Road in the list for sidewalks. Mr. James said that the people in the area do not want sidewalks and Mrs. Morey explained that there ware approximately seventy children there now and with the streets in the area being improved the number will in- crease . Mr. Adams reported that the Uommittee agreed that the Paul Revere Road sidewalk is more important than the one on Winchester Drive . He said that._these would be items for the next Annual Town Meeting. It was agreed to have Mr. Adams insert an item in the Minute-man reporting that the Board discussed side- walks on Paul Revere Road and Winchester Drive and feels that they should be instilled. . Mrs. Morey suggested that white lines be painted on the street from Mariam Street up to Bedford Street to the junction of Bedford Street and Massachusetts Avenue , but not close enough to the Minute Man statue to interfere with thurists taking pictures. Mr. James said the only answer to this location is a traffic officer during rush hours . It was agreed to have the white lines painted in an effort to help the flow of traffic at this junction. Upon motion dAly made and seconded, it was voted to Lieense grant a renewal Peddler's License to James J. Green, 8 Bidke Road. Further consideration was given to Mr. Charles Ramsey' s offer, on behalf of Ralph Frissore , of 62,000 Tax title for tax title lots 59 and 60 Ivan Street. The Chairman had again viewed the lots and re- ported that he did not think they should be sold, but if the Board did decide to dispose of them, they are worth more money. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to advise Mr. Ramsey that the offer . of 62,000 had been rejected as being much too low. 201 Mr. Adams reported on a Civil Defense meeting and stated that Mr. Purinton said he thought there should be a full-time Director, preferably someone who is retired, and he would like the Board to have someone in mind with whom he could work and who would gradually take over. At that time Mr. Purinton would like to resign as Director and devote his time to one phase of Civil Defense, preferably communications . Mr. James reported that Mr. Purinton gave each individual present at the meeting literature describing the State 's recommendations. This is to be reviewed, modified and discussed at another meeting. Mr. Purinton will then set up one plan and submit it to the State for approval. It was agreed that the members of the Board should have someone in mind as Director and the appointment made at the next regular meeting of the Board on July 13. Mr. James reported that Mr. Gustin will continue to serve as a member of the Town Celebrations Com- mittee . It was agreed to advise Mr. Ralph H. Tucker that the Board would like to have him serve on the Town Town Celebrations Committee, representing the Lexington Celebrations Historical Society, but if he feels that he cannot, Committee ask him to suggest someone from the Society Mr. Ferguson referred to the letter sent to M. Dean Smith, 10 Westminster Avenue , by Mr. Irwin and it was agreed to invite Mr. Irwin to meet with the Board to discuss the letter. Zoning Mr. Ferguson also suggested that, at the same enforcement time , the Board discuss what it thinks Mr. Irwin should be doing in regard to enforcement of the Zoning By-Law. Mr. Adams reported that he was in Mr. Irwints office and he inquired about the unofficial committee on swimming pools and fences . Mr. Irwin suggested that a by-law be prepared which would require fencing of swimming pools. Mr. Stevens was skeptical about it and nothing further was done . Mr. Ferguson said he thought the Building and Zoning By-Laws were to be amended but Mr. Stevens was dubious . Mr. Adams reported that Mr. Irwin has looked into the matter a little further and some towns doE hhvs regulations in regard to fencing swimming pools. Mr. James suggested that Mr. Irwin obtain copies of such regulations from the Towns that have adopted 202 110 them and that the subject be discussed at the next meeting. Mrs. Moreyasked if someone should be thinking about the proposed building that has been referred to as the Red Cross Building. The Chairman said that there was to be a group appointed to look into the possibility of a public building. Mr. Adams said that Mr. Tucker thought it might be a good project for the Historical Society, part way at least. He suggested that someone from the Society work with the Board on the project. It was agreed to ask Mr. Edwin B. Worthen, Jr. and Mr. Tucker, or a member of the Historical Society whom he might suggest, to work with a member of the Board of Selectmen as an unofficial committee to look into the subject and make some notes as to what must be incorporated in a municipal building to serve Lex- ington. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 P.M. A true record, Attest: --alecutive lerk�Select n, I