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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1959-04-22-BOS-min 107 SELECTMEN' S MEETING April 22, 1959 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Town Accountant ' s Office, Town Office Building, on Wednesday evening, April 22, 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 The minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held on April 13, 1959 were declared approved. Minutes Mr . Carroll reported that C . DiMartino & Sons was the low bidder on the Raytheon sewer project. He said thPt Mr. Edward Howard asked Mr. DiMartino if he could handle two projects and was assured that he could. Mr Carroll advised that DiMartino has four crews and recommended that the contract be awarded to him Upon motion of Mr. Adams , seconded by Mrs . Morey,' Raytheon it was voted to award the contract to the low bidder, Sewer C . DiMartino & Sons at the bid price of l47,�58 for Contract items 1-28-29-30 and 31 and $$138,858 for items 1-28- 29-30 and 31A Mr . Carroll reported that A. Belanger & Sons, Inc . bid of $7300 for painting the standpipe was the low bid and Roy Leonard was second with a bid of $8300. He advised that he had checked with Mr . Stevens and also with Whitman & Howard and it has been determined that the corporation is all right . He recommended that the contract be awarded to the low bidder Mr. Ferguson asked if they would furnish a bond and Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative , stating that it will be a regular contract. Painting Mr. Stevens reported that Belanger painted the standpipe Turkey Hill standpipe and according to MDC , did a contract satisfactory job He said a bond would be furnished for the full amount . Mr. Adams asked when the painting would be com- pleted, and Mr. Carroll replied May 30th Mrs . Morey asked what would happen if the project was not completed, and 1r. Carroll replied that there is a penalty clause in the contract Upon motion of Mr. Adams, seconded by Mrs . Morey, to Cc nu it was voted to award the contract to the low bidder, A Belanger & Sons , Inc. Mr . Carroll referred to Mr Nicholas L . Durso' s visit with the Board a few weeks ago relative to the Durso sewer taking on Patterson Road He advised that Mr. claim Stevens had been working with him and Mr. Durso is settled willing to settle for $250, which actually amounts to a free sewer service Both Mr. Carroll and Mr. Stevens think the amount a fair settlement Mr. Stevens reported that the damage was ap- praised by Reenstierna at $200. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Adams, it was voted to authorize Town Counsel to settle the claim for $250 and obtain a confirmatory deed and re- lease . Mr . Carroll advised that he would like to include the sidewalk construction work in the street construction contract so that the sidewalks will be constructed as early as possible . He said that he hoped to have the street contracts ready some time in May so that the work can be started in June He mentioned that during the discussion of sidewalks when the budgets were being pre- pared no definite decision was made as to where sidewalks were to be built . He suggested that, basically, the pri- ority list submitted by the School Department be followed He said that there is a carryover of about $6,000 from Sidewalks 1957; $19,000 from 1958 and the appropriation of $15,000 this year makes a total of approximately $40,000. The 1957 carryover is committed to finishing the Lowell Street sidewalk He explained that the sidewalk was built from Woburn Street toward East Street a distance of about 500 feet but no further in 1957 because the street line gradually became closer to the edge of the pavement and the pavement is not in the center of Lowell Street at that point. The sidewalk was supposed to go to Laconia Street. He said he wanted to widen Lowell Street on one side, take off a little on the other side and get the sidewalk in to Laconia Street. Mr.Carroll explained that of part of the $19,000 carryover from 1958 about $7,000 will be used to pay for the sidewalk put in on Bedford Street and Simonds hoad. For 1959 the only one the Board mentioned definitely was North Hancock Street and there will be $18,000 left for work other than that which was decided upon. He said the two sidewalks on the original priority list which have not been constructed are East Street from Adams to Grant and East Street from Grant to Lowell. Mrs . Morey said that the Board felt those would come along with the street because the street has to be 109 improved In the meantime the School Department can bus the children until a good job is done . Mr. Carroll said that there is no problem of widening the portion from Adams Street to Grant Street. The Chairman said the Board had decided to do the street and sidewalk work at the same time . If there is no problem with the street or sidewalk from Adams Street to Grant Street, he could see no reason why that portion should not be done if construction of the street will not interfere with it Mr. Carroll said East from Adams to Grant would be done if there are no problems Mr. Carroll said the other sidewalk on the original list was the entire length of Paul Revere Road which will cost approximately $6500. The Chairman explained that the neighbors do not want a sidewalk and th the reason there are "No Right Turn" signs on Bedfor rThe people wanted the traffic abated which was done, and when they were notified about the sidewalks, they said they did not want them. Mr. Carroll said that the streets in the area will be constructed and he thoucht the buses would be eliminated very shortly. Mr . Ferguson said that if the people do not want sidewalks, they should not be forced upon them. Mr Adams said he thought this sidewalk would have to be constructed some time but suggested deferring it for the present Mrs . Morey said she would like to see some side- walk money spent in town betterment, for instance on Waltham Street from Forest Street to Marrett Road . Mr. Carroll said the other sidewalk the School Department listed in December 1957 was Hancock Street into Burlington Street from #16 to Coolidge Avenue , but according to a note made by Mr. Gayer, this item was taken out of the budget . Mr . Adams said that there are some bad places on Muzzey Street. He said he thought the Board should set up some program of replacement of the sidewalks around the center as the condition of some of the sidewalks is dangerous . Mrs . Morey suggested using $10,000 of this year' s appropriation for sidewalk repair, and asked Mr. Carroll to make a list of sidewalk improvements for the benefit of the Town as well as the school children. Mr. Carroll reported that the second priority list submitted by the School Department, October 16, 1958, in- cluded a sidewalk in Winter Street from Bedford Street to Sullivan Street; Hill Street from the golf club to Cedar Street ; Adams Street along north end of Fiske School 110 1.41 playground; Waltham Street from Marrett Road to Forest Street; Bedford Street from Revere and Hill Streets north to Route 128; Lincoln Street between Marrett Road and Barrymeade Drive ; Waltham Street on the easterly side from Marrett Road to Allen Street and Watertown Street . Mr. Adams said he could not see a sidewalk in Winter Street as there is no through traffic . Mr. Ferguson said th^t Winchester Drive is not included in the list and Mr. Adams sai9a study should be made of that intersection. Mr. Ferguson asked how much it would cost to do the East Street from dams to Grant and Mr. Carroll replied between $4,500 and $5,000 The Chairman said the next project to be considered was over at the Diamond Junior High School. Mr. Carroll explained that a number of trees are in- volved, and it would probably cost about $5,000 for 1700 feet. Mr . Ferguson said that would leave about $8,000, and Mr . Carroll said it could be used for miscellaneous side- walks . He mentioned doing Hancock Street because of the Hancock-Clarke House . He suggested working on a program of resurfacing sidewalks from the center out . Mrs. Morey said she thought Clarke Street should be done . Mr. Ferguson said that if funds are appropriated primarily for the safety of the school children, there is already a sidewalk for safety purposes on Clarke Street; enough to take them off the street. He said that per- haps this year the Board should use most of the money ap- propriated for new sidewalks for safety purposes and next year, include funds in the budget for improvement of the existing sidewalks He said he would rather see the money spent this year for new sidewalks. The Chairman said that some money should be spent in repairs to the center sidewalks before someone falls and the Town is involved in a law suit. He said that next year repairs to sidewalks should be a separate; ap- propriation. Mr. Carroll asked if it was the Board' s intention to construct a sidewalk on Hancock Street, and the Chair- man replied that he thought it should be done . Mrs . Morey said that there is a certain amount of roadwork to be done and she thought the widening of Hancock Street should be done at the same time the side- walk is constructed. Mr. Stevens referred to Mr Ruggiero' s sewer bet- terment assessment and interest charge which was dis- cussed last week. He said that he talked to the Col- 111 lector and when Mr. Ruggiero went to her office, he did not have a bill and asked for one which was made out and dated that day, April 7th The Collector Ruggiero said the bills went out February 10, 1958 and when sewer she checked with the Assessors, was informed that every betterment other person on the street to whom a bill had been sent, contacted the Assessors ' office and requested to have the betterment apportioned He said if Mr. Ruggiero' s intention is to have the betterment apportioned, he has lost nothing, by having to pay interest in the meantime ; the first portion will go on the 1959 tax bill . If he contends that he does not want it apportioned, and if he received the bill he would have paid it, the Board might accept his statement that he never received the bill and abate the interest if the betterment is paid. Mr. Stevens said he would undertake to contact Mr Rug- giero and find out just what he wants . Mr. Stevens submitted five copies of the contract between the Town of Lexington and C .DiMartino & Sons in the amount of $138,858 and explained that it may ex- ceed this as these figures are based on three alternates . The regular bid would be $147,458 which is money enough but for the purpose of the bond, the smaller amount has been taken. He said he would hold the contract until' Raytheon the insurance certificate is complete . Sewer Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Contract to sign the contract as presented by Mr.Stevens . Mr. Stevens referred to tax title lots 228-233 Freemont Street for which he was instructed to pre- pare a deed to convey the property to Philip J. Knox. Tax title He reported that Mr. Carroll does not think lot 233 should be sold . It is not a large lot and has a sewer main in it . The Chairman explained that the Board agreed to sell these lots to Knox and he wos to sell Mr. Lloyd two lots he owned to provide an access to Lloyd' s land. Mr. Cartoll said that the Board should either ob- tain an easement or retain the lot. Further discussion was deferred until the next meeting when Mr James , who is very familiar with this particular property, is present. Mr Carroll referred to Mr . D. Hugh Darden' s com- plaint about pedestrian traffic over his property to and from Kinneen' s Park and presented a plan of the Darden' s area. He indicated the location of a sewer easement and Complaint reported that there is no right of way. He said that Mr. Darden wants a fence and asked for one some time ago. 11.2 Mr. Stevens advised the Board th ;t the situation does not mean that the Town has to erect a fence . The Chairman asked about the length and Mr. Carroll replied that it is 360 feet. Mr . Carroll said that there is a vacant lot there and if it is built upon, it may deter the children from cutting through and the problem may be resolved that way . The Chairman said he did not think the Town was in- volved in any way and Mr. Carroll agreed. Mr. Stevens said that if Mr. Darden wants to erect a fence , he has a right to do so. Last week, Mr. James reported that Mr. Morelli and Mr. Belcher would like to acquire the so-called veterans' Veterans ' lot located between their properties . 4 lot Mr. Stevens said that if the Board has come to the conclusion that the lot is not suitable for building, and should be conveyed to the adjoining owners, authority should be obtained from Town Meeting. The Chairman read a letter from the Burlington Water Commissioners relative to the water line on Muller Road Water in Burlington. That Board would like to discuss the Muller Rd. possibility of a new agreement in regard to service in- stallations and the eventuality of the District taking over the Muller Road line completely. Mr. Carroll said that he would contact the Com- missioners and find out more definitely what they want . Messrs Stevens and Carroll retired at 9:00 P.M. Mr. John Brucchi met with the Board relative to teaching horseback riding in a residential area. Brucchi The Chairman explained that the problem is not one complaint in which the Selectmen are involved Mr. Adams suggested that he petition the Board of Appeals again Mr. Brucchi agreed to submit another petition and retired at 9 20 P. M. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Paul S. Hodgkins, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, asking for office space from June Office 1 to September 30, 1959 to accommodate six or eight people space with desks, single offices ; two or three larger rooms for six to eight people with desks , .and a large room suitable for conferences of twenty-five people . The Chairman was authorized to advise that the Town does not have any building with room enough to accommodate them. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Fire Commissioners advising that Deputy Chief Cook has given 113 notice that he intends to retire on disability on or about June 1, 1959 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Cook's to appoint Dr Harold J. Crumb to serve on a Medical retirement Panel which will include Dr. Ralph H. Wells, Chief Cook' s personal physician, and if Dr. Crumb declines, Dr. Short is to be asked to serve on the panel The Chairman read a letter from Mr. R. Robert Naka, Chairman, Red Cross, requesting an appointment to meet with the Board for the purpose of discussing use of the building at 9 Hancock Street. Red Cross It was agreed to invite representatives from the Red Cross to meet with the Board next Monday evening. The Chairman read a letter from Alexander MacMillan advising that w,il y 1,000 for tax title lot 18 and part of l ya tlAha,pa` Th conditions outlined in the Tax title Board' s lettercf April 7 are acceptable to him Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that a proposal to sell the lots be advertised in the Lexington Minute-man and that further consideration be given the offer at the meeting to be held on May 11, 1959. Mr. Adams did not vote Mr. Adams suggested, in regard to Special Police Special Polio appointments, that the subject be discussed with the appointments Chief of Police The Chairman read a letter fronJohn J. Mitchell, Manager of Howard Johnson' s restaurant relative to a complaint filed with the Board by Rev. Norman B. Cowley Complaint of North Carver Mr. Mitchell requested Rev. Cowley' s address, as Mr . Watts, the New England Supervisthr would like to content him personally. It was agreed t o forward a copy of the communi- cation to Rev. Cowley and also to send his address to Mr. Mitchell. Letter was received from Edward J. McCormank, Jr. , Attorney General, relative to a Chairman for the town employees United Fund campaign. United Fund It was agreed to ask the local Chairman for an ex- Campaign pression of opinion in regard to the request and what he thinks about the Board complying with it Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the following licenses 14 CCi pll K. J. Lowry 286 Lincoln St. Sunday Sales (ren' 1„) Woodhaven Country Stores 424 Marrett Rd. " " " Hancock Market 6 N. Hancock St " " " Wardrobe ' s Pharmacy 807 Mass . Ave . " ss " Durand' s Chocolate Shop 1780 Mass. Ave . 9 " " Minute Man Cab 1833Mass . Ave . " Public Carriage Arlex Taxi 421 Lowell St 9 9 9 Battle Green Inn, Inc 1720 Mass . Ave . Innkeeper (new) " 9 9 " " " " Common Viet. " Thomas J. P,,elan 6 Aerial St . Peddler " Mrs . Morey reported that the Traffic Study Committee held a meeting on Thursday, April 16, at which time con- Five Forks sideration was given to Mr. Donald B. Lindsay' s letter of March 29th with suggestions relative to control of vehicular traffic at the junction of Marrett Road, Lincoln Street and School Street at Five Forks . The subject was referred to Mr. Carroll who agreed to discuss it with the State Department of Public Works . A letter from Frederick N. Saum, Executive Director of the Hayden Recreation Centre , relative to the safety Sidewalk of the many children leaving the Centre between 4 45 P. M. 1Hayden and 5 30 P. M. was also considered property The Committee recommended construction of a side- IIwalk along Lincoln Street, on the Centre property. A petition from the Chamber of Commerce requesting an appointment with the Board to discuss the parking restrictions at the so-called Central Block was considered Parking by the Committee . Central Block The Committee recommended th,t parking be permitted for a trial period without placing jackets on the meters and without amending the Traffic Rules and Orders, and the results observed. The Committee suggested that proceedings be in- stigated for acquisition of the land located at the rear of the center railroad station, formerly owned by the Boston & Maine Railroad, for municipal parking. Parking Area Meters could be installed in the two municipal park- ing areas now available and the receipts could be used to defray the expense of acquiring another pub- lic parking lot. The Board felt that until more information is available relative to the cost involved in transfer of ownership of the property, no definite action should be taken. 115 It was also recommended by the Committee that ackets j be placed on the meters on Waltham Street at Massachusetts Avenue from 4:00 P. M. until 6 00 P. M. for a trial period without amending the Traffic Rules and Orders for the Traffic present . Recommendations of the Traffic Study Committee approved by the Board. Mr . Adams said he thought the Board should discuss the dump with the Fire Commissioners and he believes there is a solution to the problem of fires at the dump if discussed by all concerned It was agreed to invite the Commissioners to meet Dump with the Board to discuss the dump and also people burning rubbish without permits The meeting adjourned at 10:35 P. 41 A true record, Attest: xec dive lerk Se le c (n. 'f