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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1959-04-13-BOS-min 971 IISELECTMEN 'S MEETING April 13, 1959 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, tpril 13, 1959, at 7:30 P. M. Chairman Maloney, Messrs . James, Adams, Ferguson and Mrs . Morey were present. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, Mr. John Carroll,1, S uperintendent of Public Works, and the Ex- ecutive Clerk were also present The minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting,held on April 6, 1959, were declared approved. Minutes Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the Board for the drawing of one juror Mr. Larry F. Doo, 31 Cary Avenue, was drawn for jury duty and Mr. Carroll retired. Juror Bertram P. Dustin, Chairman of the Town Celebrations Committee, met with the Board and re- ported that the Trustees of Cary Memorial Building had been approached relative to hanging a picture of the high school student selected as Miss Lexington in the first-floor conference room. The Trustees ad- vised that their only concern is the trusts and that the Selectmen have jurisdiction over the building. Lady Mr. Gustin explained that the picture would be Lexington placed in the conference room back up to the wall where the original painting of Lady Lexington is now hanging and next year, when another student is selected, her picture will replace the present one The Board had no objection. Mr. Gustin advised the Board that he will not be able to accept re-appointment to the Town Celebrations Town Committee and suggested that a representative from one Celebrations of the service clubs, Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, etc , be Committee considered Mr. Adams called Mr. Gustin' s attention to the faded blue in the bunting decorating the Town Buildings, and the Chairman mentioned that the decorations on the two Town Office Buildings do not match. Mr. Gustin suggested that Lexington Center be roped off for the Patriots ' Day parade and reported that the Chamber of Commerce feels this is something the Board ` 98 n CV should consider. Roping off Mr. Carroll reported that he has about 1200 feet Center of rope and plans to discuss the subject with Chief Rycroft and Mr Mazerall of the Park Department Mr. Gustin retired at 7 45 P M Mr. Stevens reported that he had prepared the options exercise notices on the various lands the Town Meeting authorized the Baird to acquire Exercise of Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Options to sign the following options exercise notices EXERCISE OF OPTION By instrument dated March 13, 1959, Mark Moore, Jr . , of Lexington, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, as trustee of Moore Realty Trust, and Todd Realty, Inc ., a corpo- ration duly organized andexisting under the Laws of Massa- chusetts and having a usual place of business in said Lexington, for consideration paid, granted to the Town of Lexington, an option to purchase certain land in said Lex- ington, as therein described. NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the provisions of said instrument, the Town of Lexington, acting by its Board of Selectmen, hereby exercises said option to purchase said land subject to all of the terms, provisions and con- ditions set forth in said instrument . Signed at Lexington, Massachusetts, this 13th day of April, 1959. TOWN OF LEXINGTON By /s/ William E. Maloney /s/ Ruth Morey /s/ Alan G. Adams /s/ Raymond W. James jl /s/ Gardner Ferguson Majority of Board of Selectmen Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign a Taking Order, prepared by Mr Stevens, for the sewer sewer in East Lexington from the railroad station up to !Caking the Millyan property 99 Mr . Carroll read a letter from Whitman & Howard relative to bids opened a week ago for the Trunk Sewer, Contract No. 1, 1959 Upon motion of Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to award the contract to C . DiMartino & Sewer Sons, Inc . , the low bidder Upon motion of Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to sign the contract between the Town of Lexington and C . DiMartino & Sons, Inc. for the Trunk Sewer, Contract No. 1, 1959 Mrs . Morey brought up the subject of betterment assessments levied against property owned by Lawrence H. Witherell, 138 Grove Street . Witherell Mr. Stevens explained that Mr. Witherell signed betterments an instrument and he agreed that if the Town laid out the Town Way in accordance with the plan, he would con- vey to the Town at the price of 4300.00 the right and easement to use part of his land He reported that the entry was not made until September 5, 1958. In the instrument he agreed to the assessment of betterments on his land provided the Board extend the time for pay- ment without interest until the land is built upon or sold. Mrs . Morey said that Mr Witherell has betterments totalling over $12,000 and ha not heard anything about the $300. She said that Mr Witherell felt it was reasonable to assess the water and sewer betterments, but he does not feel he should be charged in full for the street. Mr. James said that Mr. Witherell has signed an instrument and agreed to certain conditions, and he thought that is the way it should be Mr. Stevens advised the Board that if Mr Witherell plans to sell his property, the betterments should not be deferred under the Statute . The Chairman said th^t he would not be assessed until the road is constructed, and Mr Stevens said that it is all covered in the instrument. Mr. Carroll said he was trying to get the road in back of the School Administration Office paved over to Fletcher Avenue . Mr. Spiris feels very definitely that a larger area in front should be paved and can see no reason for perking in the rear if the front is paved. He wants parking in front in addition to what is now available . The Chairman said that he was not in favor of park- ing there all day and Mr. Carroll explained that there will be only three cars parked all day. ion 0-1 ti The Chairman said he did not approve of parking School in front of buildings and Mr. Ferguson agreed parking Mr. Adams said he would not be in favor of making any more parking area in front . Mrs. Morey suggested making the area one way so the cars would go out onto Fletcher Avenue She also sug- gested that the Field and Garden Club might concentrate on this area. Mr. Carroll agreed to work out some arrangement with Mr. Spiris . The Chairman read a letter from D. Hugh Darden, 61 Burlington Street, relative to pedestrian traffic Complaint over his property to and from Kinneen's Park . Mr. Carroll was recuested to bring in information next week concerning a right-of-way and also a plan of the property. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Irwin, Building Inspector, relative to an investigation mase by him of an abandoned swimming pool and barn on property owned Swimming by the DeVries Construction Company Pool It was agreed that the problem, as outlined in Mr. William Hammer' s letter, is not the Town' s reppomsibility and that a copy of Mr. Irwin' s report be mailed to him. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Irwin suggesting that a committee be appointed to consider the subject of swimming pools and the protection that should be provided for them. Mr. Stevens said he did not know of any Building By- Laws that provide for fencing and that maily people don't want a fence Messrs . Carroll and Stevens ret4red at 8:30 P.M. Chief John W. Rycroft met with the Board and intro- duced Lloyd L . Faulkingham, Jr. , an applicant for position of patrolman. Applicants Mr. Faulkingham said he is presently employed at the for Jefferson Union and he would like dependable work every Patrolman day. He graduated from Lexington High School, has been position married for two years and was in active service four years He would like to give a week ' s notice Mr . Faulkingham retired. Chief Rycroft introduced Charles E Camirand The Chairman asked if there had been any change since his last meeting with the Board, and he replied in the negative . He has lived in Lexington since 1950, is employed by the Lexington Cab Co. and is interested 101 in police work. He has three more years in the Re- serves . He said he would like to give two week' s notice . Mr. Camirand retired Chief Rycroft introduced Allen M. McSherry. The Chairman asked why he wanted to be a Police Officer, and he replied that he never gave it any specific thought, but it is something he has had in the back of his mind for a few years . He felt that it offers a secure position for life and good re- tirement . He is twenty-four years old, worked in the Waltham State Hospital and is presently unemployed. He graduated fromNewman Prep after his discharge from the Navy, is still in the Reserves and is interested in guns . He said he has not worked since the first of the month and could go to work immediately M,. McSherry retired, and the Chief introduced Peter J. Scopa. He said his life ' s ambition has been to be a Police Officer, he likes the security, outdoor life and feels it is an honest job. He is twenty-two Police years old, single, works at Lincoln Laboratory and Appointments would like to give a week' s notice . He explained that he is classified as 4-F because of an injury to his knee that happened when he was playing ball in school. It is a broken cartilaga, but does not bother him. He explained that he is not being treated, his physician is Dr. Mooney, and he did not think it would be a handicap. Mr. Scopa retired. The Chief explained that Mr. Charles A. Withrow, Jr. was working and unable to meet with the Board. Mr. James said as far as he is concerned, if the Chairman has time to interview Mr. Withrow, he would be satisfied with the Chairman' s decision The Chief reported that Herbert W. Evans is not interested in the appointment at this time Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Adams, it was voted to appoint the following applicants as Patrolmen in the Lexington Police Department at a salary of $4,000 per year, effective May 1, 1959: Charles A. Withrow, Jr. 10 Grant Place Lloyd L. Faulkingham, Jr. 169 North Street Charles E. Camirand 30 Cummings Avenue Allen M. McSherry 85 Hinchey Road Peter J. Scopa 84 Bow Street Mrs . Morey brought up the subject of Route 128 and Bedford Street and said th-t the plan is for a fairly 102 large circle there and it will take several houses, the entrance of Bernard Street, Williams Road and a part of Wyman Road. She said it seemed to her that the Board should make a protest at the method of set- ting up interchanges in thickly settled areas where Traffic it may unnecessarily disrupt homes and people and urge circle that the size of the cloverleaf be cut down. Mr. James aaid someone should look at the plans and find out exactly what the situation is . He said the plans are not available at District 4 but are at 100 Nashua Street. He suggested that a letter be sent to the Commissioner requesting a conference to review the plans . Chief Rycroft said he received a letter from the Board in regard to the change he proposed in the numbers of year' s service to reach the maximum salary. He said when budgets were tieing prepared, although it was not said in so many words, he thought Mr . James understood him and he understood Mr. James, and that in 1959 his department would not look for any increases if the pro- ject he was working on went through, which it did. He Salaries said the only change in his budget was for clerical help, but did mention to both the Selectmen and the Appropriation Committee that he had something in mind relative to the span of years it would take for a man to reach the maximum, and that he would like to see it changed He said he did not notice that anyone was too much upset about it. He determined how much money would be needed to put the change into operation, but when he mentioned it, he did not have the funds He explained that when he submitted his budget, he did not know that Officer Meadows was going to leave . He said he figured it would cost about $1200 to put the new schedule in effect He said he talked to Mr. Adams and later on received a telephone call from the Fire Com- missioners asking what was being done and how it was ar- rived at . He said he advised Mr. Sheldon that if he could not work out something without asking for a trans- fer, he thought it was foolish to ask for it . He said he does not feel that he should be penalized because of the fact that another department does not have sufficient funds The Chairman asked if the difference in the pre- sent budget and the budget for next year would be much, and the Chief replied in the negative The Chairman asked when the new men would reach $4250, and the Chief replied in April of their second year. Mr. James said that he had two comments to make . The Board did a fairly good job when it tet this up a 103 yearII ago for the men g It was a real gain for every one of them At that time many towns did rot have a steprate system He said it seems to him it is a little early to change the schedule after only one year. Secondly, when the Board presented this to Town Meeting, it told the Town Meeting how it worked and the Town Meeting voted the police budget on that basis . Now it has not been told that any such system as this is under consideration He said if the Chief takes money he now has and starts a new system, it will be done without Town Meeting and he did not like it The Chief said he did not like the twelve years when it was set up, but thought the department did well to receive what it did. He said the Town Meeting acted on a budget and very few people knew anything about the figures . He said he thought he would be very much amiss if he did not try to get this for his Department The Chairman asked if, when the Chief discussed the proposed change, anyone told him they disapproved, and the Chief replied that no one told him they approved. The Chairman asked if he would have put the new schedule in effect if the Board had not written to him, and he replied that he had it in mind but had not done anything. Mrs . Morey said she remembered the Chief mention- ' ing it, but no action was taken. Chief Rycroft retired at 9:30 P.M. The subject was discussed at length and it was finally agreed to advise the Chief that the Board is in favor of the change proposed by him, but very definitely feels that any change in the schedule is a function of the Town Meeting Members . Mr . Adams said that undoubtedly there would be a Fall Town Meeting and this could be brought up then. Request was received from Carroll Ryan, on behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, requesting permission to operate a popcorn stand April 20th on the triangle Stand at the corner of Bedford and Hancock Streets . The organization has used this location in the past and the Board had no objection. Request was received from Claude Cole , 14.7 Ledgelawn Avenue , on behalf of Grace Chapel, to erect signs at the corner of Worthen Road anc. Bedford Street and Worthen Road and Massachusetts Avenue . Signs Mr. Ferguson suggested investigating the possibility of incorporating all church signs on the regular street signs thereby insuring uniformity which he believed de- ' sirable . 104 C, The Chairman said that he would discuss the subject with Mr. John Carroll . The Chairman read a letter from Miss Mare Maguire , 290 Wood Street, recommending that the road proposed to be constructed by the Federal Government from Wood Street Street name to Bedford Street be named Maguire Road in preference to Hartwell Road as recommended by the Planning Board It was agreed to refer the letter to the Planning Board. Letter was received from Hugh J. Wade, Acting Gover- nor of Alaska advising that a State flag could be loaned Flag to Lexington for Patriots ' Day celebration A copy of the Board' s letter was forwarded to James J. Brunette, Box 672, Juneau, Alaska, who deals in flags . Letter was received from James J. Carroll, Town Resignation Clerk, advising that Irving H. Mabee had resigned as a member of the Capital Expenditures Committee . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the following licenses : Licenses Frederic B. Hubley 4 Stetson Street Auctioneer (renewal) Manor Spa 269 Bedford Street Sunday Sales " Mary Lou Mades 1736 Mass . Ave . Intelligence Office " Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the following individuals as Special Police Officers in the Town of Lexington for terms expiring March 30, 1960: SPECIAL POLICE OFFICIHS - TERMS EXPIRING March 31, 1960 Charles W. Varney Middlesex County Sanatorium William J. DiCicco n n U Robert F Ingram rt It u William L. Harrington Metropolitan State Hospital Special John W. Alexander It " It Police Henry Brown, Jr. " " It Officers Francis J. Smith Keeper, Hobbs Brooks Reservoir, Lincolr. 1 10.E IISPECIAL POLICE OFFICERS - TERMS EXPIRING March 31, 1960 (cont 'd) M. I .T. LINCOLN LABORATORIES Joseph E. Ewers Wentworth J Marling 12 Old Coach Road 101 Dodge Street Weston, Mass . Beverly, Mass Edward A. Richardson August S Cidado 34 Lexington Street 39 Tufts Street Wilmington, Mass . Arlington, Mass. William L. Spiers, Jr. Henry Crowninshield 185 Lowell Street 7 Paul Avenue Lexington, Mass. Woburn, Mass Edward T. Gallagher Christian Larsen 8 Spring Lane 26 Wachusett Drive Maynard, Mass . Lexington, Mass. Howard D. Ryder Augustine D. Murphy II 2 Wilson Road 91 Ferry Street Lexington, Mass. Lawrence , Mass Robert J. Vinsec Horace L. Dunbar 93 Winthrop Street 40 East Street Waltham, Mass. Ipswich, Mass. Bertram M. Adams, Jr 127 Wyoming Avenue Malden, Mass Clarence MacPhee School Department George Doughty, Jr. tt 't Thomas F. Ryan It It Louis A. Bonney tt tt Anthony J.Janusas If It Thomas Sullivan tt " David Kidd It If William P. Casey 't " Clyde L. Hayne It 't Duncan F. Sian tt tt Oscar Heimlich it It Edward P. Stevens tt II IJohn Blodgett It 't 106 SPECIAL POLICE OFFICERS - TERMS EXPIRING March 31, 1960 (cont' d. ) Edward T McDonnell Library Gerald Meadows Alan G. Adams Adams Press Roy A. Cook Chief, Fire Department (Mrs . ) Ruth Morey Selectwoman Gardner C . Ferguson Selectman Raymond W. James William E. Maloney Anthony Rochette Janitor, Town Office John J. Carroll Supt. of Public Works Paul Mazzerall Park Department Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign orders for construction of the following streets, accepted by vote of Town Meeting on March 16, 1959. Baker Avenue Emerson Road Street Orders Cummings Avenue Grandview Avenue Homestead Street Welch Road Leighton Avenue Linmoor Terrace Rangeway Crawford Road Webb Street Peacock Farm Road Burnham Road Laurel Street Compton Circle Town Footway from Essex Waltham St . Widening St to Valley Road It was agreed to hold the next regular meeting of the Board on Wednesday, April 22, 1959; Monday being a holiday and a meeting of the Library Trustees having been scheduled for Tuesday. The meeting adjourned at 10 20 P.M. A true record, Attest: fY3Y^ ecu ive Jerk, Selec t (P