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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1959-06-01-BOS-min 168 SET,EC TMEN'S MEETING June 1, 1959 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, June 1, 1959, Messrs . James, Adams and Ferguson were present. The Rxecutive Clerk was also present. In the absence of Mr. Maloney, Mr. James was elected Chairman for theevening. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectman 's Meeting held on Minutes May 25, 1959. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to maintain a hip guy and anchor on Marrett Road. Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Company, Mrs . Sarano and Mr. Tocci were present at the hearing. Mr. Mahon explained that in 1957 a petition was filed for the particular stub to which reference is made Hip guy and in the petition. The stub is there now and has been anchor since 1957 and holds very important pole which carries location considerable construction on the northerly side of Mar- rett Road at School Street. There is now a tree guy from that pole over to a tree which is hhown on the plan as being on Mr. Tocci's property The Telephone Company has advised that this guy is to be removed. The pe- titioners are very anxious to put a hip guy on the exist- ing stub in order to hold the services going across the street. The Chairman asked if there was a pole already placed, and Mr. Mahon replied in the affirmative, stating that it is a short pole . The Chairman asked what a hip guy is as compared with the pole, and Mr. Mahon replied that a short arm is placed off the pole and then a steel guy, about as thick as a pencil, is run to the edge of the bar and anchored into the ground with a concrete block. The Chairman asked if the only change was the arm and the guy wire on the stub itself and Mr. Mahon replied in the affirmative . Mr. Tocci looked at the blueprint and said that he had no objection. Mrs. Sarano was not opposed to the proposed hip guy and anchor. The hearing was declared closed and Mr. Tocci and Mrs . Saran retired at 7:40 P.M. 164 0-4 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the Order for the fol- lowing hip guy and anchor: Marrett Road, southwesterly side, from a pole located approximately 210 feet northwest of Lincoln Street. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for a j/o pole location on Marrett Road south- east of Stedman Road, Pole Mr. Mahon explained that this proposed location location is to blear a sewer easement . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the Order for the fol- lowing pole location: Marrett Road, northeasterly side , approxi- mately 270 feet southeast of Stedman Road, -- One pole . (One existing j/o pole to be removed. ) Mr. Mahon retired at 7:45 P.M. Messrs. Stevens and Carroll met with the Board. Messrs. Lipton, Bernt and Stevens of the Battle Green Inn met with the Board. Mr. Lipton explained that he went to the Board of Appeals relative to the erection of a marquee and was referred to the Selectmen. He said he has a serious problem in the Innis approach as far as people coming in to Town who are trying to locate the building . He stated that people coming down from Routes !} and 25 or Request coming from Waltham Street have gone right by the build- for marquee ing. Signs, which they thought would be compatible to the building and to the Town, were erected, but do not solve the problem. Mr. Lipton presented a drawing of a marquee that he would like to erect. Mr. Bernt said that travelling and commercial people coming into town cannot find the Inn. They expect to see a motel spread out and the Inn is not the type of building they are looking for. He said he feels the only answer is a marquee, and thd; marquees are for theaters and hotels . The Chairman said what he was asking for was not a marquee but a sign, and Mr. Bernt said that was it exactly. He said he knew a vertical sign overhanging 165 the sidewalk would be the answer, but they are trying to modify the overhanging sign by using a marquee . Mr. 13ernt said this would be a permanent awning rather than a temporary canvas awning. He stated that an awning the size of what they would have to put there would not add anything to the front of the building. He said they are in dire need of something because people ceannot find the building even when they have the address . The Chairman said he did not believe the Beard could give an answer this evening as this is the first situation of its kind. He said that there are no marquees in Town although the Selectmen do have authority to grant per- mission for them and also authority to establish conditions under which they can be erected. He said the subject is one that will have to be worked out if the Board decides that is the answer. Mr. Lipton said he does not want to go to any added expense , but it has come to the point where he has to The sign he has is not doing the job and he does not want to cover the building with signs He said a marquee seems to be the answer Mr. Bernt said the sign would be frosted glass with lights behind it. The Chairman asked if he had any idea as to the material or construction, and Mr. Bernt replied that it would be all copper flashing with colonial drops . He said he would be glad to submit an architects drawing. The Chairman said that would probably have to be done anyway. Mr. Lipton said the unit would project about eight feet from the building and would be twenty-nine feet long and about two feet high. Mr. Adams asked how wide the sidewalk is and Mr . Lipton replied that it is approximately ten feet. The Chairman said the Board would have to consider the subject and let Mr . Lipton know what it thinks of the general idea He explained that if the Board was favorable to the idea, it would also involve the Building Inspector and the Board of Appeals . He advised that there would be no dedision this week, because this is the first time such a request has been received and the entire Board should consider the subject. The group retired at 8:05 P.M. Mr. Stevens said he had the contracts with Whitman & Howard for engineering services; contract 1959, One and contract 1959, Two Mr. Carroll explained that the first one is for all the sewer laterals this year for which bids were opened last week. He said they are for the customary 12% of the total 166 P-4I construction cost less the lumpsum of $2300 to paythe Town for work done byits EngineeringDepartment, figured at the Whitman & Howrd rate . p g Sewer, Mr. Carroll explained that the other contract is street, for street work and that also includes sidewalk work sidewalk to be done this year. contracts Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign both contracts, all copies of which were taken by Mr. Stevens. Mr. Stevens said he understood the Board awarded the sewer contract #5 of 1959 to N. Cibotti & Sons , Inc . in the amount of $132,725. He said he had the contract documents duly executed by the contractor and the bond- ing company. Mr. Ferguson asked if Mr. Carroll had received a report from Whitman & Howard. Mr . Carroll replied that he received a verbal report Sewer but Mr. Howard agreed to send a letter confirming it . contract He said he should have reminded him and will have a let- ter for next week. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the contract, all copies of which were taken by Mr . Stevens . Mr. Tropeano' s letter relative to waiver of street Betterment betterment charge on Lot C , Waltham Street, was held over. Mr. Stevens reported that he asked Mr. Tropeano to leave the material, which he has done, but he did not have an opportunity to go over it . Mr. Carroll reported that he had a request from John MacNeil for the installation of flag holders in Depot Square He said this is a very minor problem but he thought the Board should know about it . Flags Mr. Adams said he thought it would be appropriate to have flags placed down to Mr . Moore 's establishment, but he thought it could very well be deferred until next year. The Chairman said if the Board wanted to consider this gnd be prepared for April 19th next year, an item could be included in next year's budget . Mr. Carroll presented a plan of Bonair Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue and explained that a Mr. Clarke wanted a water service from Hayward Avenue to his house . He told Mr. Clarke that he did not want to run a service through a privately owned lot because it involves all kinds of maintenance problems . He indicated on the plan where the water main ends and said he thought it shouldlbe extended. Mr. Stevens left the meeting at 8:35 P.M. 167 II Mr. Adams suggested a temporary connection and Mr. Carroll said he thought Mr. Clarke should be sup- plied with water but he did not think a connection should be made from the rear. He explained that if Mr. Clarke sells the house , the new owner would not have fire protection and if the Town gives him water, it should also give fire protection. Mr. Adams said he did not think the Board should encourage development in the area until there is some indication relative to the National Park Mr. Carroll said that he wanted to stay within Clarke water his budget on water main extensions but because of extension this particular situation, he thought an effort to Mass. Ave • extend the main should be made . Mr. Ferguson said if he is going to be given 'ater next spring, he might as well be given it now. Mr. Adams said he does not like to see a main started down Massachusetts Avenue as it will encourage development and he thought the Town had some moral ob- ligation in the matter . Mr. Carroll said this particular situation is an emergency and if any other request is received, the Board could explain that no further extension will be granted until more definite plans have been made rela- ' tive to the National Park. Mr. Adams said he would like to make it very clear that this particular extension is being approved on an emergency basis only Mr. Carroll reported that there was a hearing this morning relative to removal of trees on Reed and Bedford Streets in connection with the stores to be constructed by Mr. Herman MacKay. He said there were twenty-four people present but the minutes of the hearing have not been typed. Two written petitions were received pro- Tree removal testing the removal of the trees . According to Chapter 87 of the General Laws, the Tree Warden may not remove a tree when a written protest has been filed, only the Board of Selectmen can order them removed He said he has not heard from Mr. MacKay and the Board's decision will have to wait until his plan has been submitted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Robert 3. Hannon, 19 Tyler Road, demanding a written explanation as to why the Town is unable to provide an adequate water supply and when the water situation is going to be permanently Water corrected. Mr. Carroll agredd to draft a long-range explanation and also include what is now being done to help the situ- ation. 168 CV The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Jesse C . James, Building Committee of the Lexington Church of Christ, advising that construction has been started on a church building at 319 Lowell Street , but the type of sewage disposal has not been completely decided. Sewer Mi'. Kraynick, representing the Board of Health, advised Lowell St . that the sewage should be disposed of through the pub- lic sewage system. The closest conduit is at Maple Street, a distance of 200 feet from the church lot.. Mr. Kraynick recommended a six-inch line from the church lot to the sewer line . Mr. Carroll reported that Mr. James has talked to him twici about this and inquired about extending the main. He told them he was opposed to it. Mr. Car'-oll presented a sketch of the area and explained that he feels the sewer should be fourteen feet deep because it has to go as far as Woburn Street, easterly, and he is opposed to installation of a sewer service in the sidewalk . He said he believes the in- stallation should be done right . They are asking for a service of 250 feet witch in effect is a main. Mr. Ferguson said that there are no funds for a sewer main along Lowell Street. There may be a Fall Town Meet- ing and the church does not need the connection now. He asked, if this was to be considered at that Town Meet- ing, how much further Mr. Carroll would recommend the main be installed. Mr. Carroll said he did not care how much further it was extended, just as long as it is done right. The Chairman asked if it would have bo be fourteen feet deep in order to service Woburn Street, Peachtree Drive, etc. , and Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative . He explained that it would not serve the entire Peachtree area because that drops off too. It was agreed to advise Mr. James that the Board would consider it as a possibility for a Fall Town Meeting, if one is held, but it would be a main extensionand not a service . The Chairman read a letter from Kenneth Covey, Presi- dent of Patriots Forest Civic Association, requesting the Town ti cover an open section of a fresh water drainage ditch The ditch starts at Holton Road, parallels Wood Street, crosses Wildwood Road to Patterson Road, has an Ditch open section starting at the rear of Mr Durso' s property on Patterson Road and continues down to Route 128. Mr. Carroll reported that Mr . Durso has talked to him about this problem. He presented a blueprint of the sewer contract showing an easement on Mr. Durso' s property and pointed out the brook which he said is a very small stream. He said he did not think it should 169 be piped because it may result in a damage suit with Mrs. Ross. He explained that it would cost about $1,000 and an easement would have to be taken over the Ross property. It was agreed to advise Mr. Covey that the Board will take the matter under consideration and in any event, there is no appropriation for this item. If anything is done, it will have to be included in next year' s budget. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Kenneth Covey, President of Patriots Forest Civic Association, asking to have warning signs posted at various intervals on Wood Street to warn drivers of impending curves. Mr,. Adams reported that the contract awarded for the Access Road will be approved this Thursday by the Signs Governor and the sensible approach would be to wait. The Chairman said the Board could ask the Chief if Wood Street is spot zoned, erect some signs, and con- trol the traffic that way. Mr. Carroll said he could erect warning signs and it was agreed to advise Mr. Covey that the subject had been referred to the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Carroll reported that one of the employees in the Public Works Department, Mr. Dennis Driscoll, was out sick with osteomyelitis. He has used up his sick leave and was confined to the Massachusetts General Hospital for quite a while and his sick leave pay was discontinued. Mr. Driscoll fully intended to return to work when he was released from the hospital in Febru- ary. In April, he asked to return to work but was not Vacation in physical condition to work in the Public Works De- partment and there was no other work for him to do. He then went to work for Crowell Tube but had to leave after working less than a week because of his foot. He asked if he could return to work for the Park Department and then go to work in the Public Works Department. All during his illness he continued to pay his Blue Cross. Mr. Carroll asked if his service with the Town could be considered continuous and if he was entitled to two week' s vacation. Mr. Adams asked if Mr. Carroll felt he deserved a vacation and was entitled to it. Mr. Carroll replied that he positively felt he was entitled to a vacation as he definitely wanted to return to work for the Town. He said his intent has been to work continuously and if he was not a good man, he would not have gone to the extreme of letting him work a month for the Park Department . 170 av The Board felt that Mr Driscoll' s service to the Town could, under the circumstances, be considered continuous, and therefore he was entitled to two week' s vacation. Mr. Carroll retired at 9:55 P.M. Letter was received from the Lexington Chapter, American National Red Cross, inviting the Board to attend its annual meeting on Thursday, June 11th, to be held Invitation at 8:00 P.M. in the Parish House of the Church of Our Redeemer. The speaker is to be Dr. Robert E. Gross, a pioneer in heart surgery Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign an Order for the construction of a sidewalk in Sidewalk Parker Street from a point 893' southeasterly of Massa- chusetts Avenue, a distance of 150' ± along the south- westerly side of Parker Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Sewer Order to sign an Order of Sewer Taking for the construction of a sewer in Garfield Street from Reed Street a dis- tance of 490' ± southwesterly. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Sewer Order to sign an Order of Sewer Taking for the construction of a sewer in Freemont Street from Cedar Street 1290' + southwesterly. Letter was received from Mr. Carroll, Town Treasurer, advising that it will be necessary for him to borrow $1,000,000 in anticipation of taxes. He suggested that Borrowing it would be more profitable to Make one borrowing of $1,000,000 instead of two for $500,000. It was agreed to advise Mr. Carroll to proceed with the transaction in whatever way will best serve the Town's interest . The meeting adjourned at 10:03 P.M. A true record, Attest. ecu ire erk, elect/. 1