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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1958-02-17-BOS-min 25.5 SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 17, 1958 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, February 17, 1958 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman James, Mrs. Morey and Mr. Tucker and the Executive Clerk were present at the meeting. Messrs. Maloney and Reed arrived later in the evening. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Com- pany and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company Pole for pole locations , guy wire and anchor, on Moreland Ave. locations The locations, necessitated by work on Moreland Avenue, were approved by Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Tucker it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the following j/o pole locations : Moreland Avenue, southeasterly side -- southwesterly from a point approxi- mately 55' southwest of Fern Street, Three poles - guy wire and anchor on 3rd pole. Letter was received from United States Senator Leverett Saltonstall with reference to the water sup- ply in the area of Hanscom Field, together with copy Water of a report from General Kelly of the Air Force. Supply at General Kelly 's letter stated that recent in- Hanscom vestigations have been conducted to determine the most Field economical method of meeting the Government 's additional water requirements in the Lexington area. The investi- gations indicate that additional needs can be supplied by the construction of one on-base well. It is there- fore considered to be in the best interests of the Government to continue to obtain the same amount of water as now being used, from the Town of Lexington and if necessary, construct an on-base well to pro- vide the required additional water. Negotiations with the Town of Lexington will be continued and any pro- posal submitted by the Town will be given consideration by the Air Force. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Nickerson, Chairman of the Board of Appeals, suggesting installa- tion of No Parking signs in front of the Medical Build- 256 Inme ing on Clarke Street inasmuch as patients prefer to park on the side of the street rather than the ample No Parking parking area in the rear of the building. The Chairman commented that this would make the third No Parking amendment to the Traffic Rules and Regulations. Mr. Tucker inquired about the Committee on Traffic Study and Control and it was agreed to invite the Com- mittee to meet with the Board. Letter was received from N. C. Hubley, on behalf of Grace Chapel, relative to signs directing people to the Signs Old Belfry Club where meetings are held. Mrs. Morey suggested a sign similar to the one in front of Masonic Hall directing the people to the Hancock- Clarke House. It was more or less agreed that the signs could be attached to existing street signs, approximately the same size and at least seven feet high. The Chairman was authorized to so advise Mr. Hubley and ask that he submit a sample of what he has in mind for further con- sideration by the Board. Letter was received from Albert F. Douglass call- Douglass ing the Board's attention to damage done to the curbing Claim on his driveway at 1844 Massachusetts Avenue when the library addition was under construction. He also men- tioned the danger from the narrowness and proximity of the two driveways and said he would appreciate the Board discussing these matters with him. Mrs. Morey suggested, and the Board agreed, to refer the letter to the Library Building Addition Committee. Letter was received from the Board of Fire Com- Fire missioners enclosing letter from William F. Downe, re- Hydrants questing that the 1959 budget include plans for the installation of additional fire hydrants on Marrett Road between Waltham Street and Kendall Road. Mr. Reed said that he thought this item could be taken care of this year by Mr. Gayer. Mr. Stevens arrived at 8:06 P.M. Mr. Russell G. Gessner and Mr. Douglas J. Hyde, Burlington Water Commissioner, met with the Board. Mr. Gessner explained that he came to the meeting relative to water in Muller Road in Burlington. He Water said he understood it was brought to the Board's atten- Muller Rd. tion and refused and asked if there was any chance of Burlington reconsideration. The Chairman explained the Board 's position and stated that when the line was installed and agree- ment made, it was on the basis of the then existing 6� 257 residences and was made that way specifically so that no other houses would be served. Mr. Hyde said that was his understanding and there were originally twelve people who wanted the Town of Lexington to supply water. Now there are nine and Mr. Allen. He said three people have told the Commissioners that they do not want the water. The Commissioners intend to tie in on Blanchard Road to Muller Road in. 1959, but until that time, they can't raise the bond issue. He said it would be July, 1959 before they tie into that line . The Chairman asked if the Commissioners wanted permission for this service to be installed and water used until July of 1959. Mr. Hyde replied in the affirmative. He said Lex- ington had agreed to twelve takers and Mr. Allen. Now there are nine and Mr. Allen. The Chairman explained that the Board agreed to the then existing houses. Mr. Hyde said Mr. Gessner has to have water in order to get the mortgage money. Mr. Gessner stated that he has the mortgage approved and he does not want to invest in a well if it is possible to do something about this. Mr. Stevens asked if the Water Commissioners told him it was all right to go ahead. Mr. Gessner replied in the negative and said they told him they did not see why an approval would not come through where the three people did not want it and they thought they could get it changed. He said they did show him the agreement of the twelve original. Mr. Stevens asked if Mr. Gessner knew that before he purchased the land. Mr. Gessner replied in the negative and said that he checked with the fellow across the street who told him Lexington had signed to service twelve people. He said he did not think he knew it was twelve specific residences. Mr. Reed asked if the Board would have any assurance that the other three would not connect. Mr. Gessner asked if the Board would accept a letter from those three people to the effect that they would not be taking water. Mr. Stevens said the idea was very clearly stated and it was to take care of the twelve houses there and this was not to be on the basis of any real estate sold or transferred and no riew houses would be served. He said here is a new building wanting to come in on the grounds that one of the old ones has not connected. He said it was understood by everyone at the time. Mr. Hyde said that if there were twelve takers now he would not be present at the meeting tonight. They were the people who petitioned. Mr. Stevens said that they went to the Legislature and got an Act. 258 Mr. Hyde said the man who came over came to the Board of Water Commissioners and wanted them to borrow $7,000 to do the job. It was not engineered by Whitman & Howard and the cost was $16,000. That is why it was not done at the time . He said in July, 1959 they will borrow the money to tie in from Blanchard Road to Wheeler Road and it is about 3,000 feet. He stated that it cannot be done now as it will raise the water tax. Mr. Tucker asked if there was any assurance that money will be voted for that next year. Mr. Hyde replied in the negative and said that any money they have asked for, since he has been on the Board, has been voted. The people think water is a necessity and they go along with it. The Commissioners have dropped the water tax rate from $12 a thousand to *L} a thousand. Mr. Tucker asked what the 3,000 feet would cost and Mr. Hyde replied about $15,000. Mr. Tucker asked how many houses it would serve and Mr. Hyde replied that it will take in some industrial land. The homes will be on Muller Road. Mrs. Morey asked how many vacant lots there are on Muller Road and Mr. Hyde replied that he did hot know. He said one side of the road cannot be built upon. Mr. Gessner said a friend of his It his own home there. The people across the street/reetired and wanted to purchase a new car, but had to sell a lot to do so. He said there was no sign on the lot. Mr. Tucker asked how much it would cost to build a well and Mr. Gessner replied that the foreman on his job had one that cost $7.00 a foot. The Chairman said that the Board would discuss the subject again and let Mr. Gessner know its decision. The Chairman asked if the money would be borrowed in July of 1959 or the line tied in. Mr. Hyde replied that they borrow the money every six months. They have borrowed the money so they will start to lay the water main the first of July. It may be August or the first of September. Messrs. Gessner and Hyde retired at 8:20 P.M. Mr. Reed said that where Mr. Hyde made the state- ment that if the twelve people had connected he would not be here tonight, he would be in favdr of reducing the number to ten so they won't be in again. It was agreed to supply this one house in lieu of the three that are not connected. The following people met with the Board to discuss water and sewer installations in Eastern Avenue : Manuel Sousa, 12 Eastern Avenue ,'David Cameron, 19 Grandview Avenue , Horace Besecker, 8 Eastern Avenue and Mr. Caterino. The Chairman explained that when the Board considers budgets for Town Meeting, on construction such as this, the Board likes to have a rather high percentage of the people involved request the construction. as Francis Nordhall, 1 Ewell Avenue , Jesse Sousa, 2 Ewell Ave. X59 II He said it did not seem that Town Meeting would vote some- thing like this where only one owner out of seven has signed a request for construction. He explained that the Board would like to know whether or not the other six people are opposed. He asked if the other owners had signed a petition which set forth the amount of money it might cost each one for sewer and water. Some- one in the group answered in the negative . The Chairman explained that the request for water and sewer had been made by Mr. Caterino to service his lots. Mr. Caterino said that was correct and he did not want his neighbors to think he was trying to force any- thing on them. Mr. Caterino explained, by use of a plan, the lots he owns and how the services could be located. Mr. Reed asked how many people now have town water Eastern and it appeared that they all had, apparently from long Avenue services. Sewer and Mr. Tucker asked kow long the service had been in Water Ewell Avenue, and Mr. Caterino replied about four years. Mr. Reed asked if a connection charge was ever paid and Mr. Caterino replied in the negative. He said Mr. Sousa offered to pay him but he never accepted it. The Chairman said he could give exact figures but it appeared that the water would be about $80 a lot for a fifty foot lot and the sewer would be about $270 a lot. He said he thought the Board should get a statement of the betterment that might be charged to each one. He ex- plained that if they now have sewer and water, they can't be charged a betterment, but if they db not have sewer and water, a betterment would be charged. He said the Board would get the information as soon as possible, after the Board determines whether it will recommend this to Town Meeting and the signatures should be returned before next Monday. The group retired at 9:00 P.M. Messrs. Sheldon and Roeder met with the Board. The Chairman explained that the Board had invited the Commissioners in this evening to discuss budgets. He stated that the Board had a meeting Saturday morning and determined, as far as personal services are con- cerned, that the salaries of the firemen will be estab- lished at the same rates as those proposed for the Fire Police Department. He said it is also the Board 's im- Department pression that, as far as hours are concerned, it is budgets entirely within the Commissioners province and the Selectmen will take no action. The Chairman explained that the Board has ap- proved a figure of $1500 instead of $1820 for the Clerk. The Chairman said that the other question arose on the necessity of purchasing another heavy fire en- gine as opposed to a lighter piece of equipment. 260 Mr. Sheldon said there are several reasons why the Commissioners think a heavy duty piece of equip- ment is what they want. They are buying it for twenty or twenty-five years, and are looking Ahead to a town more like Belmont and Arlington where there will be less brush fires. He said the second thing is the Department already has two pieces of equipment, one of which would be con- verted to brush fire work. If the new piece is purchased, one of those engines will be transferred to East Lexington. He said they discussed it with Roy Cook this evening and he is in favor of a heavy duty piece of equipment. Mr. Sheldon said that if the Town ever does decide to have a third station, it will want another piece of equipment and this will be it . He said he thought the Town would have a third station in five years. Mr. Roeder explained that the Towh would get no credit from the Underwtiters for a lighter piece of equipment. The Commissioners retired at 9:30 P.M. Letter was received from W. T. Ferguson, 16 Fairbanks Shopping Road, asking for the definition of the type of business Center operation that is included in a regional shopping center. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Ferguson that this will be defined by the Lexington Panning Board when the public hearing is held on the proposed amendment to the Zoning By-law. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it Licenses was voted to grant the following licenses : Anthony Ferreira 249 Marrett Road, Peddler Renewal Walter Custance 520 Main Street, Acton Auctioneer Renewal The Chairman reminded the Board that the East Lex- East ington Men's Club had written several months ago asking Lexington to have a representative from the Board present at its Men's Club annual civic meeting to review the articles in the warrant to be presented to the Annual Town Meeting. The meeting is to be held in the Follen Church hall on Monday, February 24th at 7 :45 P M. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney, Warrant it was voted to sign the Warrant for the Annual Election on Monday, March 10, 1958 and Town Meeting on Monday, March 17, 1958. Street Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mrs. Morey, Layouts it was voted to sign layouts of the following streets to be presented to Town Meeting for acceptance : Whipple Road, Wheeler Road, Stonewall Road, Russell Road, Peacock Farm Road, Mason Street, Locke Lane, 261 Fiske Road, Fairlawn Lane, Darner Road, Dane Road, Flintlock Road, Redcoat Lane , Winter Street, West- wood Road, Tyler Road, Trotting Horse Drive , Sherburne Road, Foster Road, Stimson Avenue, Turning Mill Road, Blueberry Lane , Greenwood Street, Winthrop Road. The Chairman received a letter from Charles M. Evans and Associates relative to preparation of a Person- Personal nel By-law. By-law The Board does not intend at present to present such a by-law and the communication was placed on file. The Chairman received a letter from the Lexington Lexington Visitng Nurse Association inviting the Board to ap- Visiting point a represent&tive from the Board to the Board of Nurses Directors of the Association. Associatiaa Appointment will be made after organization of the Board in March. The meeting adjourned at 9 55 P.M. A true record, Attest : /xec tiv Clerk Select n. lam' r • 262 OPENING BIDS FOR REAL ESTATE February 20, 1958 I Sealed bids for the purchase of real estate at 10 Westminister Avenue, which is owned by the Town under a foreclosed tax title, were publicly opened in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Thursday, February 20, 1958 at 5:00 P.M. Mrs. Morey, representing the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk were present. The bids , opened by Mrs . Morey, were as follows : Henry E. Bradley & John LeCain 26 Reed Street, Arlington $2,500 C. W. Doherty 37 Bromfield Road, Somerville 4,900 Barney Tocio 19 Crescent Hill Avenue, Lexington 5,200 Andrew E. Millyan 561 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington 2,000 Mary D'Abbraccio ]4 Westminister Avenue, Lexington 2,610 Warren Dean Smith 27 Arnold Street, Arlington 6,500 Leonard M. Sjogren 97 Nottinghill Road, Brighton 4,010 James Irwin 58 Taft Avenue, Lexington 6,150 Mrs. Morey explained to the three gentlemen present that the bids, as the invitation stated, would be taken under advisement and the high bidder contacted by the Board of Selectmen very shortly. The meeting adjourned at 5:08 P.M. A true record, Attest : xec tive lark Select len