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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1958-05-12-BOS-min 343 SELECTMEN'S MEETING May 12, 1958 A regular meeting of theBoard of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, May 12, 1958 at 7:00 P. M. Chair- man Maloney, Messrs . James , Tucker, Adams and Mrs . Morey were present. The Executive Clerk was also present. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate j/o poles on Bridge Street. The Chairman reported that the proposed locations were approved by Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the Order for the fol- lowing j/o pole locations: Bridge Street, southwesterly side, southeasterly from a point approximately 20 feet southeast of Marrett Road, --Four poles . Pole locations Bridge Street, northeasterly side, northwesterly from a point approximately 20 feet northwest of Valleyfield Street, --Twelve poles . The Chairman reported that Mr. Paul Knight, Radio Station VCOP, telephoned the office and said that the number of accidents which occur on Concord Avenue has prompted him to request the erection of signs to the effect that there is a business establish- ment located there . Mrs. Morey suggested locating a driveway sign Traffic and Mr. Tucker said he doubted if motorists would pay any attention to those signs . The Chairman read a letter from Thomas G. Lynah, Secretary of the Trustees of Public Trusts, advising that Mr. Clarence S. Walker has been elected Chairman Appointment of the Trustees and that the Trustees have voted to recommend that Mr. George P. Morey be appointed to the Board of Retirement, if the Selectmen intend to appoint someone from the Trustees of Public Trust. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr. George P. Morey a member of the Lexington Board of Retirement for a three-year term expiring March 31, 1961. 644 The Chairman read a letter frau Mrs. John W. Biggs, requesting permission, on behalf of the Theatre Guild of the Lexington Arts and Grafts Society, to re- serve CaryHall for a Hoe-Down Party. The affair is y to be held out doors, but in the event of inclement weather, the group would like to use Cary Hall Per- mission was also requested to use the parking area or Dance one of the municipal parking areas. The Chairman was authorized to ask Mrs. Biggs for more detailed information, further consideration to be given the subject upon receipt of same . The Chairman referred to the application for a peddler' s license received from James J. Green, 8 License Fiske Road, and acted upon by the Board last week . He reported that before sending a letter to the Bureau of Standards, he discussed the subject with the Chief of Police who found that the applicant 's record was of a minor nature . He now holds a posi- tion with the concern involved and his case was placed on file with no record. The Chief also inter- viewed the applicant and is of the opinion that the Board could certify to his character. At 7:09 P. M. , Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the Board for the drawing of two jurors . The Jurors following individuals were drawn for jury duty: Stanley L. Sisson, 30 Grant Street and William B. Sullivan, 389 Woburn Street. Mr. Carroll retired at 7 12 P. M. The Chairman read a letter addressed to James E. Collins, Welfare Agent, from James B. Carson, District Director , State Department of Public Wel- fare, relative to the location of the Welfare Depart- ment in the Town Office Building. The Chairman reported that he discussed the Welfare Dept.subject with someone concerned and they claimed there would be access to the radio room when Welfare person- nel was not there and that should be corrected. He explained that the State contributes funds and likes to have the regulations followed. Mrs . Morey said that the requirements could be met and pointed out that the Department could use the safe for all records and no one else would have access to them. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Licenses to renew the following licenses: Town Line Pharmacy, Inc . 20 Mass . Ave . Sunday Sales Clarence E. MacPhee 14 Baker Ave . Sunday Sales 345. Letter was received from James J. Carroll, Town Treasurer, advising that it is necessary to borrow $500,000 in anticipation of taxes . He plans to have the note dated June 1, 1958 and payable November 1, 1958. Borrowing Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant Mr. Carroll permission to arrange for a loan of $500,000, in anticipation of revenue, to be payable November 1, 1958. Mr. Adams said that he noticed in the appropria- tion Committees report that funds under Articles six and seven of the Warrant are to be raised in the tax levy and asked if the Board of Selectmen had anything to say regarding financing these projects. He said he was not in favor of putting anything more in the tax rate Mr. Stevens arrived at the meeting at 7:20 P. M. Mr. Stevens referred to the suit brought by Mr. Freeman relative to the land taken by the Town in con- nection with Worthen Road . He explained that a total of 17,105 square feet was taken and it amounts to the loss of one lot . Mr. Freeman had twa buildable lots; one on Massachusetts Avenue and one on Stratham Road. Now there is only one lot . He said he had an ap- praisal of $1500 and offered $2500 . Mr. Freeman, now Claim deceased, had contended that it was worth between $6,000 and $7,000. Mr. Stevens reported that the at- torney, representing the estate , will settle for $2900 and the case is set for trial on May 22nd. It is his recommendation that the Town settle for $2900. Mr. James said that, subject to the availability of funds, he would be in favor of accepting Mr. Stevens ' recommendation It was unanimously agreed to authorize Mr. Stevens to sable the claim for $2900. Mr. James said that the Board should take a vote of how it is going to vote on Article 9 which is the shopping center and whatever the vote is it can be presented that way. Mr. Adams said that he was opposed to it but this has been a leading question and he was disturbed about the vote being taken half an hour before it goes on the floor. He said he thought the motion from the Board should not come up just before Town Meeting and that the Board should have had an opportunity to discuss it . The Chairman said he was going to vote in favor because he felt seven out of ten people voted for it . 646 Mr. Adams said he was bothered by the fact it did not come up for discussion. Mr . Adams said that the policy of putting this amount on the tax levy was also important and asked if the Selectmen had an opinion on it. The Chairman explained that the Appropriation Committee did not meet until Thursday Mr. James said that he was going to vote for the shopping center. Mr. Tucker said that he thought Mr. Adams had a point and it should have been discussed before and it is better to discuss it now than not at all. He said he had not made up his mind until recently and that he was going to vote for it. The Chairman said that if anyo' a asked how the Board feels, he would reply that it is not unanimous . Mr. Tucker said if the question comes up on the floor the Chairman can say that the Board' s vote is divided. Mr. Adams said he thought it was important that the Board be on redord. Mrs . Morey said, referring to Article L , that if necessary she would have to speak in favor of it The Chairman said that he would vote for the pur- chase of the land. The Board has discussed it with the Planning Board, Superintendent of Public Works and Mr. Stevens relative to the sewer easement going through there and how it could become involved. Mrs. Morey asked about the financing, and Mr. James replied that as far as financing is concerned on all the articles, the only one he objects to is Article 6. He said he thought construction of streets should not come out of the tax levy because they are paid for by the abutters . Mr. Adams said as a matter of principle , he thought the Selectmen would look good if they opposed any more in the tax levy. Mr. James said that since the borrowing has not been made, it would appear to him that it could be in- cluded in the street borrowing. Mr. Adams said he would like to make a motion that the money not be taken from the tax levy. Mr. James said that whether it is E and D or tax levy amounts to the same thing. Mr. Adams said he felt it would be much better to borrow. Mr. James explained that would require rewording the motion and considerable revision. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 P. M. r e 'J A true record, Attest: e"j LA, v Cleric, Sele toren. P' `� V L