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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1958-07-14-BOS-min 394 I' �-c SELECTM NV 'S MEETING July 14, 1958 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, July 14, 1958, at 7:30 P. M. Chairman Maloney, Messrs . Tucker, Adams, James and Mrs . Morey were present Mr Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, and the Executive Clerk were also present At 7:30 P. M , hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New Eng- land Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate one hip guy and anchor on Massachusetts Guy and Avenue east of Bow Street Guy and anchor Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Company, anchor location and Mr. Viano, of the Viano Trust, were present at the location hearing. Mr . Viano stated that the petition had been ex- plained to him and he had no objection. Mr. Viano retired Upon motion of Mrs . Morey, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the following guy and anchor location Massachusetts Avenue, northerly side from a pole located approximately 175 feet east of Bow Street, - One hip guy and anchor Mr. Mahon presented an instrument for the Chairman to sign, granting the Boston Edison Company permission to lo- Pole cate two poles at the rear of the new Police Building. Pole locations Mrs. Morey asked if the steps would be illuminated locations and Mr. Gayer replied that these poles would help, but additional poles may be needed later on. The Chairman was authorized to sign the instrument and Mr. Mahon retired at 7:40 P. M Chairman Marek, Messrs . Clark, Steele, Fenn and Brown of the School Committee, Chairman Richards, Messrs . Blaisdell, Shaughnessy, Colony and Palmer of the Ap- propriation Committee met with the Board. Supt of The meeting was requested by the School Committee Schools and Mrs . Marek said she believed everyone knew that the Superintendent of Schools had resigned. She said the School Committee recognizes that it is its problem and responsibility to find a successor, but the members felt )95 that the three Boards were concerned and she thought everyone would like to know the Committee ' s thinking. She explained that the School Committee knew Mr Smith had received an offer from Greenwich and knew for some time he had been recommended for the position by Harvard and there was pressure for him to take the posi- tion:z The School Committee has known for some time the Superintendent' s salary was too low for the job he was doing and the job that has to be done in Lexington The Committee had established the salary as of Septem- ber 1, 1958 and felt it would like to reconsider it and do all it can to see if Mr Smith could be enticed to stay Therefore , the Committee voted to raise the Superintendent ' s salary to $15,000 as of September 1, 1958. The Committee felt that it would make it pos- sible for Mr. Smith to reach his decision on the basis of the professional aspects of the two jobs, but the Committee could not meet the salary offered in Green- wich. She reported that Mr. Smith was offered a three- year contract; $18,000 the first yJar, $ 19,000 the second year and $20,000 the third year at which time he goes on tenure . It was d difficult decision for him to make . Greenwich has a school population of 8,300 as against Lexington' s 5,077. Greenwich has about once and a half the school population, almost twice as many teachers and three times the budget, a $6,000,000 bud- get. Mrs . Marek said the problem is to find someone with training, experience, imagination and initiative to replace Mr. Smith The Committee ' s thinking is that the job in Lexington at the present time requires a person fully trained and with considerable experience, and it would not be to the town' s advantage to have a less experienced person. The Committee will have to pay for it . Mrs. Morey asked what the Committee had budgeted and Mrs Marek replied $12,500 Mrs Marek said the salary was $10,500, goingto $12,500 next year and the Committee raised it to 15, 000. Mr Clark explained that the Committee had increased teachers ' salaries a very sizable amount this past year. In looking at the superintendent, the Committee felt there should be a strong increase there too and some felt a $2,000 increase was a very good one . However, they were scared off and decided to make another adjustment next year He said it was lower than it should have been . He said the Committee is looking for advice on how it was taken care of last time He said that the final decision of course would be made by the School Committee . Mrs Morey said six years ago, the salary was brought 396 0.0 up to $7,000 but the Appropriation Committee was told that it did not mean the School Committee would pay the new man at that figure and she supposed the same pro- cedure could be followed She said she thought the Com- mittee should talk $12,500 and keep the $15,000 quiet . Mrs Marek said the Committee does not feel it needs to mention $15,000, but her own personal feeling is that the Committee will not find the type of person it wants for less . The Chairman said that the people in Connecticut had organized a group to select the best man they could find and were paying the best salary any place in the country. He said coming to Lexington would probably be a good thing for any Superintendent of Schools, as in the years Mr Smith has been here , he has grown ih stature . He said the price factor is not all important, and he thought there are many fine people who would want to come to Lexington. Mrs Marek said Lexington is in a leadership posi- tion Mrs . Morey said she thought the Commissioner of Educa- tion in Massachusetts received $13,000 . Mr. Steele said the Committee held the line at $2,000 increase when the feeling was that maybe it should have been more . He asked if the Committee had gone higher, would Mr. Smith have considered leaving. If the Committee feels justified in going beyond the $12,500, that is the reason for the meeting He said it is not just a School Committee problem. The Chairman said he thought the Committee should attempt to attract the man interested in bettering him- self and not only thinking in dollars and cents He said in analyzing the situation, Mr. Smith wanted to become a bigger man in the educational field and he probably would have considered the position for less money. He said the Committee should get applicants interested in the position and not in the money. Mrs . Marek reported that Greenwich approached forty graduate schools and asked them to nominate two people as outstanding graduates and then employed three people to act as a screening committee . This committee of three narrowed the forty to eight and then the Greenwich School Committee interviewed the eight and got it down to two Mr. Smith was their unanimous first choice Mrs . Marek said that Mr. Smith leaves officially the first of September, but he assured the Committee that he feels responsible for the opening of the schools and will be here through the opening. The School Committee andAppropriation Committee re- tired at 8:00 P. M. $97 Request was received from the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate four anchor guys and six poles on Sedge Road running from Hathaway Road. Pole and guy Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted locations to grant the request and sign the instrument submit- ted by the telephone company. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Health advising that a meeting will be held on Thursday evening at 8:30 P. M. in the Selectmen' s room for the purpose of discussing plans for obtaining serdices of physicians Doctors for emergency cases during weekends and holidays . The Board of Health would like a representative from the Board of Selectmen present at the meeting. Mr. Adams agreed to represent the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Snow in regard to the suggestion made by the Selectmen that a committee be appointed to investigate the advisability and possi- bility of acquiring the Great Meadows dnd for what pur- pose . Mr . Snow is working on an overall park and re- creation plan, and he would like an opportuni4 to com- plete and present the plans for the consideration of all before the Selectmen appoint the committee In reference to the Baskin Playground and North Street-Vine Brook Recreation Area plans, Mr Snow said Baskin & he expects to ask the Recreation Committee, Planning North St. Board and Selectmen for a joint meeting in August to play areas review detailed plans and proposals for the playground. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk, in reference to additional voting machines . Voting A copy of the communication is to be sent to Mr. Machines Stevens who will write to the Automatic Voting Machine Company. Mr. Stevens requested authority to settle a claim of Marilyn Hamilton for $50 She was driving on School Street and met Anthony Mongelli, of the Public Works De- partment, coming in the opposite direction. She stopped Claim and he went ahead, and her car was creased by the equip- ment being carried. The lowest estimate was $50 and she has signed a release . Upon motion of Mr. Adams, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to.authorize Mr. Stevens to settle the claim for $504 Mr. Stevens said he had prepared an Order of Taking 398 of a slope easement on land of Sam Press on Concord Avenue , in connection with the reconstruction of Con- cord Avenue . Mr Adams asked what effect it would have on the bid and contract if the Board of Selectmen decided to narrow the road from 1Jt to 281 or move the road Sippe over a couple of feet in an effort to save the trees easement Mr. Stevens explained that it is on a unit price and there would be no difficulty as long as it is worked out with the State . He explained that the ease- ment must be recorded within thfrrty days but he will nob record it until advised by the Board He said it becomes effective only upon recording Mr. Stevens referred to temporary amendments to Traffic Rules and Regulations and stated that it would Traffic seem easier to adopt amendments on a permanent basis Rules & and then if the Board doesn't like them, they can al- Orders ways be rescinded. Mr. Stevens referred to tax title lot 38 Grape- vine Avenue, presented a plan and pointed out that the lots in the area are fifty feet . He said he as- sumed they are buildable lots, and this particular one cannot be combined to +he adjoining lots because Tax title the purchaser does not own them. He asked if he was to prepare the deed restricting the lot against any building. Mr. James said he thought the Board should take the man at his word He said he wanted to use the lot as a nursery and if so, there would be no need for a restriction. Mr. Adams said he thought Mr Gibbs, the pur- chaser, should be told that the lot will be restricted. Mr . James agreed to contact Mr. dibbs relative to restricting the lot to no buildings. Mr. Stevens reported that he had met with two members of the Board of Fire Commissioners relative Ambulance to the ambulance specifications, and asked what the specifica- Board wanted him to put in the specifications tions Mr . Adams said there should be a meeting with someone present from the Fire Commissioners, Board of Selectmen and member of the Fire Department . Mr. Stevens said the bids should go out from the Selectmen but not necessarily on Selectmen' s stationery . They could be on plain paper It was agreed to meet Wednesday night at 8 00 P. M. and advise Mr . Sheldon, Chairman of the Com- missioners, andsuggest that the Chief or Deputy Chief be invited to attend the meeting. 399 The Chairman read a letter from Angus McIver, 30 Pollen Road, requesting "slow children" signs on both sides of Follen Road at #30 and #33 Signs Mr. Gayer said he had not looked at the area yet but will this week . The Chairman read a letter from Denis Fullerton re- questing extension of sewer to service his house at 2400 Massachusetts Avenue . Mr. Fullerton stated that his_ has Sewer done all he can and has a letter from the Health Depart- ment giving him seven days to abate the nuisance . The Chairman asked if Mr. Gayer thought this was a serious project and he replied in the affirmative . Mr. James asked about the distanc_ , and Mr. Gayer replied that he thought it was 100 to 150 feet. Mrs . Morey said Mr. Fullerton should be reminded that he is to submit a petition and the Chairman asked who would sign it for him. Mr. James explained that in a situation such as this a petition does not help much Mr. Gayer was requested to find out what the exten- sion would cost Mr. Gayer said he sent a letter to the Recreation Committee asking them, in view of the discussion by the Board and Planning Board relative to Worthen Road, if they desired to have the track repaired, to check with the two Boards Today Mr Samborski told him to go ahead and repair the track. Mr Gayer told him he would do it when he received a written order from the Selectmen. Mrs . Morey reported that she talked to Mr. Samborski the other day and he said the track needs some work done now The Planning Board can tell the Selectmen tonight Track when Worthen Road is going in. She said the budget was Center reduced from $5,000 to $2,000 and asked why something Playground sh ouldntt be done Mr Gayer said that amount includes a new piece of track. Following a meeting later in the evening with the Planning Board, Mrs Morey agreed to contact Mrs . Wan- less . Mr Gayer said he could fix the track surface the same as he has done each year . Mr Gayer presented bids on a stump cutter as fol- lows : Abbott Spray & Farm Equipment Co. $3,450.00 Vermeer Mfg. Co. 3,239.10 Hartney Spray Corporation 3,050 .00 Stump Cutter 400 • Mr . Gayer said he recommended the machine built locally as it meets the specifications and is the low bi d Upon motion of Mr. Adams, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to accept the bid of $3,050.00 submitted by the Hartney Spray Corporation. Mr. Brucchi met with the Board at 9:15 P. M. to discuss enforcement of theSunday Blue Laws and re- tired at 9:40 P. M. The Planning Board met with the Selectmen and Mr. Stevens returned to the meeting. Mr. Grindle said there were four items to discuss . The P .anning Board has had considerable discussion with Mark Moore on the Burhham property. The Planning Board Planning asked ing a ked for extra land to tie in with its recreation area, Board On the second part of the development, he has turned over five acres to the town and there is also a con- troversy on the road, The Planning Board feels it should recommend to the Town that Mr. Moore be re- imbursed $5,000 for the land he turned over The road would be a different proposition. Mr. Stevens asked if Mr. Moore had turned the land over to the Town and Mr. Grindle replied in the negative . Mr Grindle said that there is a bridge going across Vine Brook which Mr. Moore was going to build. Mr. Gayer thinks it should be 70 ' , the old width of the taking, Mr Moore feels if he has to build a 70' bridge, he shouldte reimbursed for the difference between the cost of the 50' and the 70' bridge Mr. Adams stated that this is not a bridge . Mr. Snow explained that is is a box culvert. The Chairman asked if the Planning Board felt Mr Moore should be reimbursed by the Town and Mr. Grindle replied in the affirmative . Mrs . Morey said the Planning Board wouldn't need the money before September and she thought it would be desirable to acquire the additional land . Mr. Jaquith said the Planning Board told Mr. Moore he would have to wait until March for the $5,000 on the bridge . He wants to go ahead and would like to know the Board' s feeling. The Chairman said the Board is in sympathy with the program. Mr. Stevens pointed out thatit is Mr. Moore ' s bridge until such time as he turns it over to the Town Mr. Soule said the 70' road is the Planning Board' s idea and Mr. Moore wants the Town to pay the difference be- tween the 50' and 70 ' The Planning Board doesn't think he should bear the entire cost. Mr . Snow presented plans and discussed the Planning Board' s proposals for Worthen and Emerson hoads and a 401 possible development of a recreation area in the vic- inity of the Harrington School. With 1 gard to the revised proposed location of Worthen Road, Mr. Snow presented a letter containing twelve recommendations It was mentioned that funds for engineering work could be requested at a Special Town Meeting . The Planning Board and Mr. Stevens retired at 10:40 P M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the following Certificates of Incorporations, satisfactory character references having been received Cert. of Inc. from the Chief of Police : Irving Rothman, 8 Demar Road - Ethical Society of Bostnn, Inc Chester Lidberg, 92 Adams St - Cambridge Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses Inc . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Traffic rules and Orders of the Town of Lexing- ton adopted by the Board of Selectmen, October 7, 1935 and subsequent amendments thereto, be and are hereby further amended by adding at the end of Article V, Sec- tion 2A, the following ' No person shall park a vehicle between the hours of 4 00 P. M and 6.30 P. M. on Mondays through Fridays on the north- Traffic easterly side of Massachusetts Avenue Rules & between Depot Square and Meriam Street Orders by adding in Article V, Section 9, at the end of the description of the metered zone on Massachusetts Avenue, the following except that parking is prohibited on the northeasterly side between Depot Square and Meriam Street between 4:00 P. M. and 6 30 P. M. Mondays through Fridays Letter was received fromthe Board of Trustees of Cary Memorial Library requesting that Medardo Collina, recently appointed an assistant custodian, be appointed a Special Police Officer. Special Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Police to appoint Medardo Collina a Special Police Officer in the Town of Lexington for a term expiring March 31, 1959. 402 Letter was received from John J. Garrity, advising that Dean Bandes, 41 Meriam Street, has passed a guide ' s test and in his opinion qualifies . License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant jermission to Dean Bandes to be a guide within the limits of the Town of Lexington for a period expir- ing July 14, 1959. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the Jury List for 1958. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Sewer to adopt the following Sewer Orders Orders Eldred Street from Justin Street a distance of 1275' northeasterly to Grove Street ; Ellis9n Road from Leroy Road a distance of 865' - northerly; Greenwood Stre ,t from Paul Revere Road a dis- tance of 970' - northerly and easterly, Leroy+Road from Marrett Road a distance of 360' - northeasterly and easterly; Roosevelt Road from School Street a distance of 665' - westerly; Winthrop Road from Sherburne Road easterly 215' ± Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the following Water Orders Allen Street from Stedman Road a distance Water of 1150' ± southeasterly; Orders Eldred Street fromJustin Street a distance of 1275' - northeasterly to Grove Street. Letter, together with drawing, was received from The Theodore Schwamb Company, offering to furninh one table for the Selectmen' s Room for the sum of $422.00. Selectmen' s Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Table to accept the offer and authorize Mr. Nickerson to pro- ceed with the manufacture of the table in accordance with the drawing submitted. The Clerk reported that Mrs . Charles Forrester, 403 11 Parker Street, telephoned relative to the noise and profanity of people who come to the Center Playground in cars late at night Complaint The Chairman agreed to discuss the subject with the Chief of Police. The meeting adjourned at 11 15 P. M. A true record, Attest 2ScecZ c en. �v