Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1958-12-15-BOS-min 111 SELECTMEN'S MEETING December 15, 1958 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen ' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, December 15, 1958, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Maloney, Messrs . Tucker, Adams and Mrs. Morey were pre- sent. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, Mr. Gayer, Superin- tendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk were also present . Mr. Stevens reported that he and Mr. Gayer will attend a conference with Mr. Toole on Wednesday to discuss the proposed extension of the water line along Route 2, at which time Waltham will have representa- Water tives present. He mentioned inviting Whitman & Howard to be present and it was agreed that they, as consult- ing engineers to the Town, should be asked to attend the conference . Mr. Stevens reported that the D.P.U . proposed rules ' and regulations regarding laying out of ways over high- pressure gas lines will be discussed at a hearing con- tinued to January 14th. He suggested that the Public Works Department make an investigation to see how this affects Lexington, that is, to find out how many Town High pressur streets are crossed, how the lines were put across, gas lines where the land is and how this will affect the Town ar..d developers so Lexington will be better prepared to gcback to the hearing. Mrs. Morey suggested that the Board apprise all the owners of property through whose land this line goes, and Mr. Stevens said that he had no idea how many people are involved. Mrs. Morey said that at least some of them could be advised . The Chairman read a letter from Ely, Bartlett, Brown & Proctor, attorneys for Eli:ell Incorporated, who has filed an application for a Package Goods Store li- License cense at 5,5 Massachusetts Avenue , listing factors they believe tc be significant in relation to the applica- tion. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permissior to locate one pole on School Street. The pro- posed location was approved by Mr. Gayer and upon motion 118 duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the peti- tion and sign the order for the following j/o pole loca- tion: Pole School Street, westerly side approxi- location mately 10' north of Roosevelt Road, -- One pole . (One j/o pole to be removed.) Town Counsel' s bill, dated December 15, 1958, in the amount of $5,000 for professional services, was approved for payment by the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll, Town Treasurer, advising that he was aware that all Loan the load for the new Junior High School would not be used immediately, so he invested part of it in U. S. Treasury bills. He has received interest for the amount of *11,091.11 which has been credited to the Town. Mr. Gayer retired at 8:30 P.M. Messrs. Kelly and Ferguson of the Recreation Com- mittees met with the Board. Mr. Kelly said that the Committee has conferred with Mr. Snow regarding an outline of the Baskin Land. The Chairman explained that about a month ago, an Recreation engineer had been engaged to make the test holes and Committee it is known that facilities can be put there if it is decided to do so. He said if the Recreation Committee can arrange to spend an hour or so with Mr. Snow some night other than a Monday, he would be glad to sit in with them also. Mr. Kelly skid that his Committee would like to meet with the Chairman and Mr. Snow. Mr. Kelly asked if arrangements could be made in regard to rink lighting. He said that presumably dur- ing bad weather the lights remain on. They go on auto- Rink matically and stay on when there is no akating, which lights points up a situation that the average citizen can cri- ticize . The Chairman said that he has been very critical of that program for a long time, as on many occasions, the lights have been on at three in the morning. Mr. Ferguson recalled that last year the police were asked to put the lights out . The Chairman said that he will again solicit the co-operation of the Police Department. I Mr. Kelly said another subject the Committee wants to discuss is Worthen Road, and possible replace- ment of recreational facilities . He said the ques- tion will come up if the road is presented, and people will want to know what planning is being done about re- placement of facilities. He asked if the engineer' s Worthen 1 survey went beyond laying out the road and if it took Road into consideration replacement of facilities . He wanted to know where they are going and what it will cost. The Chairman explained that the road is still in the engineering stages and the Board is aware of many things that will have to happen if the road crosses the playground . Mr. Adams asked if Mr . Snow designed the Baskin playground Mr. Ferguson replied that there was an appropria- tion of $10,000 two years ago. The Committee looked into it and talked with Mr. Snow, and found out there was a rough plan, and at that time, the Committee was trying to find out how much it would cost for develop- Recreation ment. It was necessary to obtain funds for engineering, so it was presented to the Selectmen who authorized the Engineering Department to do some work and Mr. Snow U said he wes qualified and volunteered to draw up a plan. Since that time , the Committee has not heard or seen anything. He said the Recreation Committee ' s respon- sibility is to supervise the activities . Mr. Adams asked if the Committee proposed the ac- tivities and Mr. Kelly said the only reason the Com- mittee is bringing these matters up is because indirectly they affect the recreation program. The Committee does not know where the road is going or if it will touch the playground . He said the Committee is in the dark about the Baskin property and Worthen Road, and if Mr. Snow can arrive at something specific, the Committee will make recommendations . The Chairman explained that is the purpose for meeting with Mr. Snow. He said he understood every- thingis ].aid out so itcan b discussed and the Re- e i creation ommittee can look it over. He said he might be wrong, but he was almost certain that there are drawings d layouts concerning additional recreation facilitie if Worthen Road goes through. Mr. elly said that Mr. Snow did show• them a drawing a d he did have some relocation of facili- ties but t was merely a guess at that time . Mr. Kelly referred to the Committee ' s budget and asked if the Board intended to discuss it this evening . I The Chairman replied that it would not be con- sidered unless the Committee had some questions to ask. 540 Mr. Kelly said the Director ' s salary was in- creased last year from $2,000 to $2,075 which the Recreation Committee presumed was a general increase . The Budget Committee would like to give him a small merit in- crease of another $75.00 as recognition of the work he is doing. The Chairman suggested that the Committee set up the budget and the Board would discuss it . Mrs . Morey asked if the Committee had any thought of starting a recreation program at the Hastings and Harrington Schools. Mr. Kelly replied that they have made some in- quiries about the Hastings, but there will be nothing available this Summer that they know of. Mr. Ferguson inquired about the status of the sand pit and the Chairman said that there had been some discussions with the developer about acquiring an additional parcel of land . Mr. Kelly asked if the Committee could erect fireplaces on the Willard property, and Mr. Stevens Willard explained that no use can be made of the restricted Land strip, but there is a large area not restricted. He also said there is a pond that can be used for skating. Mr. Kelly asked if cars could be parked on the restricted area and Mr. Stevens replied that no use can be made of it . Mr. Stevens, Messrs . Kelly and Ferguson retired at 9:05 P.M. The Appropriation Committee met with the Board Mr. Richards said the Committee is concerned about whet la going to happen in 1959. He attended a meeting Approp. Comm. with the School Committee and was given some idea. The re budgets Town will be building schools and asking for money for final plans for at least one and possibly preliminary plans for the second. He said the Public Works has plans for extending trunk line sewers. There may be land purchased for school areas, and there may or may not be salary in- creases. He said the large increase in the salaries of the School Department will take full effect in 1959. He said in addition because of the large number of bonds, there will be $950,000 to pay off in 1959. The Chairman stated that the Board is just as con- cerned as the Committee but has not discussed any of the items at any great length. Mr. Adams said that the policy in regard to wages 54i .cy rnuM could be settled and it it not necessary to have the budgets to do that. Mr. Richards said that personally he would like to hold the line if it is possible, with the excep- tion of correcting those instances where there are serious inequalities or where it would bean the loss of a valuable employee . He said if an individual has done an outstanding job and is willing to stay on, if possible, he should be given a merit increase . He said if the salaried employees are below the general average, he thought they should be brought up. The Chairman reported that the Selectmen have al- ready received requests for 5% increases, but the Board has not seen these as yet. Mr. Adams said that a joint conclusion could be made and the policy should be settled before the budgets come in. Mrs. Morey explained that all the employees will be receiving about a $2.00 increase through the insurance program. She also mentioned employees who have only .been with the Town for a year and said that some con- sideration should be given to them. Mr. Adams pointed out that some employees have an opportunity for overtime and others do not. A lengthy discussion was held relative to janitors in the Public Works Department, Library and the school custodians. Mr. Patterson said that as he understood it not, the policy is to hold, with the exception of inequalities. Mr. Tucker said that he felt the policy should be to hold and adjust the inequalities . Mr. Richards said the Committee would make a greater effort to adjust the inequalities this year than it has in the past an he thought everyone wanted good employe- es and to get good ones, they will have to be paid. Mr. Richards asked the Board if there were any capital expenditures that should be recommended and the Chairman replied that the Board has been hoping to stay with the present program. Mr. Adams said he would agree to not doing more than has been done in other years. Mr. Palmer asked if the Board wanted him to carry over the appropriation for group insurance, and Mr. Adams said he thought it would be normal procedure to carry it over. Mr. Richards said he could see no reason for not carrying it over. The Committee retired at 10:05 P.M. 342 �-C Letter was received from the Planning Board refer- ring to a preliminary study plan entitled "Proposed Loca- tion of Worthen Road Waltham St. to Marrett Rd." dated Worthen Rd. August 15, 1958. At a meeting of the Planning Board on December 8, 1958, a plan was adopted entitled "Proposed Location of Worthen Road across lands of Vine Brook Realty Trust and Colonial Development C orperation" dated November 28, 1958. A copy of the plan was attached and the Planning Board recommended that the plan be used by the Superintendent of Public Works as a guide in approv- ing the final plans to be submitted for this section of Worthen Road. Letter was received from Alfred P1 Tropeano, advis- ing that he had received a copy of the Planning Board' s letter to the Selectmen and a copy of the plan entitled "Proposed Location of Worthen Road Across Lands of Vine Brook Realty Trust and Colonial Development Corporation" dated November 28, 1958. The letter referred to a previous plan dated August 15, 1958 . Mr. Tropeano stated that neither plan has been sub-. mitted to the Trustees nor have they been consulted as to the location of Worthen Road. At the Town Meeting, they rezoned approximately thirteen acres into AI antici- pating approximately two acres for Worthen Road, thus leaving eleven acres for the apartment houses and adequate off-street parking space, lawn, etc. The proposed Worthen Road, including the road itself, is taking or isolating about four acres of the thirteen acres the Trustees had rezoned. Before the plan of November 28, 1958 is adopted, the Trustees would like to be heard and granted an op- portunity of presenting an alternate, recommended layout, Mr. Tucker said if the change would result in start- ing the project and realizing some tax money, he would be in favor of the change . Mr. Adams said he could see no reason for not doing what Mr. Tropeano wants to, but he thought the subject should be discussed with Mr. Gayer. The Chairman agreed to contact Mr. Gayer and go over the two plans . The Chairman read a letter from the Pond Realty Trust relative to a preliminary subdivision of land, located off Reed Street and Garfield Street. Copies of the plan, which had been submitted to the Planning Board, were at- tached. The Trust would like to purchase tax title lots 26, 27 and part of 28 on Garfield Street for $300, to com- plete the proposed preliminary plan. The Trust also asked the Board to consider granting an easement through 543 II tax title lot 12 to tie into the storm drain. The Chairman reported that he had discussed this with Mr. snow. It was agredd to entertain a price of $2500 for Tax title the six lots, the lots to be sold upon the condition that they will be combined to make one building lot and also upon the condition that the development goes through. It was further agreed to grant an easement through tax title lot 12 for drainage purposes. Appl cation for a Certificate of Incorporation was received rom the Secretary of the Commonwealth on be- half of E gene B Hamilton, 1 Braemore Terrace . Sati factory character reference was received from the Chief of Police . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the application. The Chairman read a letter from M. J. Carroll, 31 Allen Street, complaining about Mr. Lurvey's attitude . Complaint The Chairman agreed to contact Mr.Carrolland also to discuss the matter with Mr. Lurvey Lattar was received from John B. Byrnq, Jr. , II Plumbing Lnspector, requesting a salary increase of $10.00 per week. Letter was received from Robert K. Jeremiah, Wire Inspector, requesting a salary increase of $383.28 or Salaries $2,700 per year. Letter was received from Donald K. Irwin, Build- ing Inspector, requesting a 5% increase for all per- sonnel in his department. No action was taken, the letters to be discussed when budgets are being considered. Mr. Adams suggested that the Fire Commissioners or the Board of Selectmen should meet with the Build- ing Inspector and Fire Prevention Officer in an effort to determine their relationship in regard to inspections . The 3hairman read a letter from the Board of Fire Commissioners advising that the Capital expenditure item this year will be for a Chief's car and come under a separate item in the warrant. Further consideration was given to rates of pay for election officers . It was unanimously voted to establish the fol- Election lowing rates: Officer Wardens $18.00 per election rates II Clerks 16 00 per election Inspectors 16.00 per election Tellers 14.00 per election ►-c Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to renew the following licenses: Licenses Geo. R. Reed & Son 1721 Mass. Avenue Common Victualler Geoffroy' s Pharmacy 316 Marrett Road " Fe Five Forks Spa 286 Lincoln Street " Mary A Rowland 150 Lowell Street " " The meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.M. A true record, Attest: e %tiv Cler , Bele en.