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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1959-01-19-BOS-min 570 SELECTMEN'S MEETING January 19, 1959 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, January 19, 1959 at 7:30 P. M. Messrs . Tucker, Adams and Mrs . Morey were present The Clerk was also present. Mr. James arrived at the meeting at 7:43 P. M. Mr. Tucker acted as Chairman. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate one 3/o pole on Webster Road, approximately 595 feet northwest of Hutchinson Road Pole Mr. Mahon representing the Boston Edison Company, was location the only person present at the hearing . He explained that the petition was engineered very poorly and for that reason he would like to withdraw it and come in later with a proper petition. He said he discovered that the pole location on the plan was away off the established lot line which is contrary to company policy and inasmuch as it was the com- pany' s error, he called the abutters and advised them that the petition would be withdrawn. The Chairman asked why Mr. Mahon had to make his request in person and he replied that he thought it was the correct procedure and god public relations. Mr. Mahon retired at 7:38 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the Boston Edison Company' s request to withdraw the petition. Mr. Harold Stevens, Town counsel, and Mr. John Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, met with the Board. Uron motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Innis adopt a Sewer Order of Taking, prepared by Town Counsel Sewer for the installation of a sewer under a certain strip of Easement land in Lexington extending from Patterson Road to Route 128 Mr. Stevens reported that he and Mr. Carroll looked at Laurel and Reed Streets this morning. The attorney for Mr. Jellis is going to see him tomorrow. He explained that Mr . Carroll was wondering if the Town would be getting into a situation by proceeding on the basis previously dis- uudsed, as he could not see any reason why the abutters on Old Reed Street would want the land . It will give them a much longer driveway to blacktop or get through if they 571 I dontt and will give them additional land to take care of. Mr Stevens said, in looking at it on the ground, he could not see why some of the people would want the additional land. He said if the Board proceeds as dis- cussed, the town might have to plant trees to block off the road o prevent cars from going up, and perhaps do something at the other end to block the street He asked if anyone had talked to the abutters other than Mr. Jellis Mr. James said that he had never discussed this with anyone other than Mr. Jellis who has represented that Mr Hossfield , who lives on the opposite side of the street from Jellis, is interested Mr. Carroll reported that it has now been an es- tablished fact that what has been called Old Reed Street is a Town Way. Reed & Mr. Stevens said it could be recognized as a Town Laurel Way and paved; tell them it is a town way and explain Streets what they own. (Jellis) Mr. James said that it is difficult to know what Mr. Jellis does want from his conversation. He com- plained about the condition of Old Reed Street and wanted it serviced. He was told new Reed Street was a town way and the Board was not going to be concerned. He wanted the town to do something about the fact he I did abut on Reed Street and wanted something done to eliminate the traffic over that piece of land. Mr. Warns said it was all right to straighten the situation out but it might very well cost the Town some money. Mr . Stevens explained that whatever is done will cost money Mr. Jellis has offered to pay so much and assume the betterments . Mr. Carroll said that there was a betterment levied against his land for the sewer in on the triangle . He explained that the water main has been in for a long time . Mr. ;fames said that Mr. Jellis stated that if the sewer went in new Reed Street and he did not abut on it, he did non see why he should pay a betterment . Mr . Stevens explained that the betterment is based on his be ng able to be served Mr. arroll said th, t Mr. Jellis is not sewered but he can be He said that is what he considers the test. If he is ff the street but can be sewered, he is bettered. Mr. ames asked what he would pay for the sewer, and Mr. Cerro 1 replied that he could be charged to the center of old Re d Street. Mr. tevens said that if the town paves old Reed Street an just says that from now on it is going to be Ia street, the town will be almost committed to pays the 57 2 little piece at the end. If that is not done, the new layout should be made and should go back and in- volves two or threeThe other houses , pe ople could be advised that the Town will sell them the property for $1.00, but if they do not want it, they do not have to take it and then they will not be on a street. He said someone should explain the situation to the people and see if they will go along with taking this property which the Board can convey under the vote which the Board will have, and consent to the abandonment of old Reed Street. Mr.James said he thought that would be the correct way to handle the situation. Mr. Adams said thatthere are more than two people involved and he suggested inviting them all to meet with the Board . Mr. James said if the three principal individuals are in agreement, he would be in favor of proceeding. It was agreed to invite the individuals involved to meet with the Board next Monday night so that the situation can be explained. Mr. Stevens referred to specifications for the ambulance and said he assumed he was to redraft them. He reported that Mr Roeder thought the Board should insist that there be some adequate space for the radio. Mr. Stevens also suggested that the old ambulance be taken in trade with< a list of the items to be taken Ambulance out, get the price of the ambulance, allowance and net price , Mrs. Morey said that there was nothing in the old specifications with reference to head room and this might make a difference in the price . Mr. Stevens explained that the specifications do state that the Board will take into consideration the quality and character of construction which he thought would include head room. He said it seemed to him that if the Board purchased the ambulance in the best in- terest if the Town, it would be broad enough. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Fire Commissioners reporting that several complaints had been received in regard to the condition of the ambulance . The Commissioners question the advisability of spend- ing any money for repairs inasmuch as funds have been appropriated for a new ambulance . Letter was received from Mr. Alfred P. Tropeano advising that he has withdrawn as counsel for Amos Carr, 75 Kendall Road This is relative to a sewer easement taken taken from Kendall Road to Marrett Road. , L 573 The Chairman read a letter from Richard F1 Herzog, 34 Whipple Road, advising that he desired to purchase from the town a narrow strip of land adjacent to his property. Mr. '.tevens reported that he and Mr. Snow had a meeting w th Mr. DeVries today and obtained authority from him o have Mr. Snow correct the plan which was in error n this particular section of Sun Valley. Mr. Snow is going to make the changes and then Mr. Stevens is to dra t the deed and send it to DeVViest attorney to check. The Planning Board would like to acquire the land DeVr es has left. Strip of Mr. %tevens explained that DeVries conveyed to Mr. land Sun Herzog la d in the rear which Mr. Snow said the town Valley understool it was going to get. He advised acknowledg- ing the l:: tter stating that the Board will look into the matte . In the meantime, it will determine what the Plann ng Board intends to do. Mr. '.tevens retired at 8:00 P. M. Mr. Narroll reported that Frederick Maloney, an employee _n the Public Works Department, had a heart attack and his sick leave will expire January 30th. He is definitely going to return to work but has been Maloney advised b7 his doctor that he must return in a limited sick leave capacity _ He will not be able to operate a shovel or grader t is expected that he will be back within two monthi, possibly sooner The Chairman asked how long Mr. Maloney had been working for the town and Mr . Carroll replied since 1935. He said he would like to have the sick leave extended for at least a month Mrs . Morey asked if the subject has aver come up before an4 Mr. Carroll replied in the negative He said personall;r he felt that in instances where individuals have been loyal and worked for a long period of time , they shou_d be helped Mrs. Morey explained that in the School Department there is an extension of sick leave time with half pay. Mr. James asked what Mr Maloney would do when he returned to work and Mr. Carroll explained that he will keep him as a foreman. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Adams, it was voted to extend the sick leave for one mofath in view of Mr. Maloney' s exceptionally long and loyal ser- vice ; the subject to be reviewed again in thirty days if he has not at that time returned to work Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to renew Mrs Anna E. Phillips' common License victualler license , 29 Depot Square . 574 0.e aizo The Chairman read a letter from Frank R Faulkner, President of the East Lexington Men' s Club, inviting a member of the Board to speak at a Civic Night to be held on February 23, 1959. Mr. Adams agreed to represent the Board and give a short talk about the office of Selectmen. The Chairman explained that the Board, in discussing budgets, considered a policy of eliminating individual names on stationery. Town Mr. Carroll reported that he has already ordered Stationery stationery for his department with his Name as Superin- tendent. He said that there were very few letterheads left with Mr. Gayer' s name . Mr. Adams reported that there were three accidents at the old reservoir last Friday and Sunday; two of which were direct results of hockey being played. Skating Mr. Carroll reported that snow fences have been areas placed at the Adams School and also at Kinneen' s Pond, but each time they are knocked down and used for a bonfire . He said there is no easy solution and actually it is a question of enforcement and someone should be at the skating areas to control the situation. Mr. James said he thought this was a problem for the Recreation Committee as that committee has the operation of recreation facilities . Mrs. Morey said that the committee has no funds and suggested that it be asked to include an item for another year . The Chairman said he did not see how the problem could be solved without police aid. Mrs . Morey suggested asking the committee to es- tablish a policy for next year and find out what can be done this year. The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed, to write the committee that inasmuch as the reservoir is a recreation facility, and therefore comes within its jurisdiction, the problem should be studied and recom- mendations made . Letter was received from the State Department of Natural Resources relative to Dutch Elm disease , a copy of which was mailed to the members of the Board and Superintendent of Public Works . Mr. James said that the letter is not very clear, merely advising that no assistance may be given the town Dutch Elm unless additional funds are appropriated. disease Mr. Adams suggested leaving the amount for this ye arts appropriation at $12,900. and see if it is pos- sible to get the extra. 575 IIt wss agreed to discuss the subject further after Town Meeting as no aid can be given until the Town has actually made an appropriation Petition was received for installation of sewer in Longfellow and Hawthorne Roads Mr. Carroll advised that it is not possible to sewer either road at this time due to the fact that Sewers there is no trunk sewer available which can serve the area There is one contemplated but it will not be ready until 1961 or 1962. The Chairman read a letter from Robert K. Jeremiah, Wire Inspector, stating that he would prefer to have an amount for car allowance in lieu of using a Town car. Inspectors Letter was also received from Donald K. Irwin, car allow- Building Inspector, in regard to the same subject. ance It ws.s agreed to discuss the subject when budgets are being considered. Mr. Ldams reported that pedestrians had to walk in the middle of the street because of the large crane being user at the new hotel in the center. He said that the time has come to establish a policy whereby U contractors using any part of Massachusetts Avenue from Grant Str et to Meriam Street should be required to hire extra pol ce . He explained that the telephone company Contractors hires a p liceman when it is in Waltham with only one using Mass. truck on he street. Avenue Mr. arroll said thrt he did not know how the con- tractor c uld atloid using the crane and any time there is an ope cut in the center, where he felt an officer was neces ary, he asked for one . Mr. arroll retired at 8:50 P. M The ubject was discussed further later in the evening w en Chief Rycroft met with the Board. The Chairman asked if the contractor could be re- quired to have a police officer on duty and the Chief replied that usually his department knows what is go- ing to happen. He explained that the contractors go to the Su rintendent of Public Works for a street per- mit . He greed that the situation is not good and said he though he could work it out with Mr. Carroll. Mr, dams said that contractors using any part of Massachus ttts Avenue from Grant Street to Meriam Street could be equired to hire police for extra duty. The Chief said he would like to have it left to his discretion. He said he would see the contractor tomorrow and explain what he wants done . He said he would take 111 Mr. Carro.J.1 with him. • O7I 1.4 iftc Upon motion of Mr Adams, seconded by Mrs . Morey, II1 it was voted toestablish a policy whereby contractors using any part of Massachusetts Avenue from Grant Street to Meriam Street shall be required to contact the Chief of Police who will determine whether or not a police officer is to be assigned for extra duty. M". Adams said he would like it understood that the Chief will order a paid detail any time he thinks it necessary. The Chairman read a letter from James J. Carroll, Resignation Town Clerk, advising that he had received Mrs . Robert C . Merriam' s resignation as a Gammell Legacy Income Trustee The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, Inc . , resubmitting the names of Miss Ruth M. Pettengill, Mr. Carl E. Bryant and in- Historic eluding Mr. Philip B Parsons as candidates from which Districts to appoint a member to the Historic Districts Commission. omission The Chairman was authorized to advise the Society that the statute specifically states that there shall be one member appointed from two candidates and ask that the names of two candidates be submitted, one of whom may be Mr . . Parsons whose term has expired. IIThe Board gave further consideration to an offer of $2500. received from the Pond Realty Trust for tax title lots 26-31 inclusive on Garfield Street A pro- Tax title posal to sell these lots was advertised in the January 3, 1959 issue of the Lexington Minute-man No persons contacted the Selectmen' s Office as a result of the ad- vertisement. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sell and convey tax title lots 26-31 inclusive on Garfield Street to the Pond Realty Trust, for $2500, the deed to contain a restriction whereby the lots will be combined and that only one building shall be erected on the combined lots, with the further pro- vision that the proposed development is carried out . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign notice of intention to lay out the following streets : Baker Avenue Leighton Avenue Burnham Road Linmoor Terrace Crawford Road Peacock Farm Road Compton Circle Rangeway Cummings Webb Street IIEmerson Road Welch Road Grandview Avenue Laurel Street Homestead Street 10' pedestrian Right of Way from Essex Street Waltham Street widening 577 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to hold a Selectmen' s Meeting on Saturday morning, January 24 , 1959 at 9:30 A. M. in the Selectmen' s Room for the purpose of discussing budgets . Mrs . Morey left the meeting at 9:15 P. M. to meet with the A-opropriation Committee Chief John W. Rycroft met with the Board to dis- cuss his 1959 budgets . Budgets were discussed as follows : Item Requested Approved Office Supplies $1,200.00 $1,200.00 The Chief reported that he had spent $1,600. in 1958. This item includes cards, teletype paper, cross filing, supplies, etc . He explained that one large item is for envelopes for mailing in regard to meter violations . Police Budget Equipment Jc Repairs Requested Approved $ 300.00 $ 300.00 This item includes sticks for temporary parking signs, broken chair springs, etc He said it could be considered supplies Photographic Supplies $ 400.00 $ 400.00 The C .ief reported that he had spent $334.93 in 1958. Mr.Adams asked if additional equipment could be purchased that might save expenses . The C Ofef said he was not too familiar with this item but he has a good camera and a good enlarger as well as a 3ood place to work. He said the officer who takes the pictures has learned a lot and has improved since he first started. He also reported that the de- partment takes many pictures. Mr. James asked if more than one print was made from each and the Chief replied that usually he does not . There is one fitted into the file and once the file is set up and summoned into Court, it must go in- tact. Mr. James ahked if the negative was included and the Chief replied in the negative . Mr. James asked if any of the men in the Department had paid holidays and the Chief replied in the negative . Mrs . Morey returned to the meeting at 9:55 P. M. The C lief said that he had tentatively agreed not to do anytaing this year, but he thought it too much to II y _ . 578 ask a man to go to $4500 and then wait threeears before he receives a raise of $100 . He recommended ;100 per year for three years The man will be at the maximum in a six-year period. He said he had not estimated the cost but did not think it would be much. Mr. James estimated it would cost $500 a gear. The Chief said that he had mentioned this to the Appropriation Committee and whatever the Board decides will be agreeable to him. Chief Rycroft retired at 10:10 P. M. The Clerk was instructed to make appointments with the Board of Health, Town Clerk, Veterans' Agent and the Fire Commissioners for Saturday morning to discuss budgets . The meeting adjourned at 10:20 P.M. A true record, Attest: f / xe 'tiv Clerk, Se le i f en. c y( 1