HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-12-16-BOS-min 171
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
December 16, 1957
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday evening, December 16, 1957 at 7:30 P.M. Chair-
man James , Messrs . Reed, Maloney, Tucker and Mrs. Morey
were present. Mr. Stevens , Town Counsel, Mr. Gayer,
Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk
were also present.
Hearing was declared open upon application of The Gasoline
Grey Nuns ' Charities, Inc. for permission to maintain hearing
one underground tank for the storage of 1,000 gallons
of gasoline on premises located at 10 Pelham Road.
Notice of the hearing was inserted in the December
5, 1957 issue of the Lexington Minute-man.
No persons were present at the hearing in favor
or in opposition.
The Application was approved on December 3, 1957
by B. J. Belcastro, Deputy Chief, Lexington Fire Depart-
' ment.
Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Tucker,
it was voted to approve the application and grant a li-
cense to The Grey Nuns ' Charities, Inc. for permission
to maintain one underground tank for the storage of 1,000
gallons of gasoline on premises at 10 Pelham Road.
The following members of the School Sites Committee,
School Committee and Planning Board met with the Select-
men: Messrs. Greeley, Steele, Abbott, Harding; Mrs. School sites
Marek, Martin, Clark, Chapman; Grindley Jaquith; Mr.
Smith and Mr. Snow.
Mr. Greeley explained that he had two purposes in
mind in suggesting that the groups meet together. One
reason was to bring those who are not up to date and
to see if an agreement can be reached on the overall
picture and officially to ask for instruction as to
procedure from here on. He stated that he had statis-
tics if anyone desired to ask questions.
Mr. Greeley said that it looks as if the Committee
was talking in terms of another Junior High School im-
mediately and three or four additional elementary
schools by 1970 and then further ahead about eight, may-
be nine or ten additional elementary schools by the time
the Town fills up under present zoning conditions, and
the population reaches 50,000 or 55,000 maybe a third
Junior High School, and either a greatly expanded Senior
high School or two Senior High Schools.
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He explained that if the Senior High School is expanded,
it means building practically a 100% duplicate plan.
He said as far as the Committee can make out, whether
it becomes an expanded Senior High School plan or a two
High School setup, the construction is about the same
and any saving may be in the land.
Mr. Greeley mentioned that there is the possibility
of a Junior College com n to the picture, not as a
municipally supported,/8 °•t the State helps the Junior
College, Lexington might want to be in on the ground
floor and at least have a site. He said the more immed-
iate aspects the Town has is four to eight elementary
schools which the Committee feels sure the Town is going
to need. He said the Town will need three Junior High
School sites, including the Adams, Hancock Street site,
and may need a second Senior High School site. The Com-
mittee has looked at a great many sites.
Mr. Greeley referred to a large map which he placed
on the- wall and explained eight possible locations, some
including town-owned property and following his comments
on each site, all present agreed that the Town should
acquire eight sites at one time and as soon as possible.
The group retired at 8:14.5 P.M.
Mr. Peter Zitso and Mr. William Cavanaugh met with
the Board.
The Chairman explained that Mr. Zitso called him
one day last week and said he had something he wanted
to talk about. The subject discussed had to do with
an assignment which Mr. Zitso has, National Engineers '
Week, to be held around the middle of February.
Mr. Zitso explained that Mr. Cavanaugh has been
hired by the Committee for National Engineers ' Week
to guide and promote the celebration in greater Boston.
He said that they had prepared a proposal which he would
like to read, and which he proceeded to do, a copy of
which he left with the Board.
Mr. Tucker asked about selection of a Model Town
and Mr. Zitso explained that there would not be too
much selection being done. They would like to have it
Lexington.
National Mr. Tucker asked from what the Town would be
Engineers ' selected, and Mr. Zitso replied it would be the greater
Week Boston area.
Mr. Cavanaugh said there would not be another one
in the country.
Mrs. Morey inquired about Mr. Zitso's connection
with National Engineers ' Week and he replied there is
none. His connection is with a committee made up of re-
presentatives of many engineering organizations.
The Chairman said it might be of some interest to
point out that National Engineers ' Week has been held
for a number of years , but no one ever heard of it.
1711
The New England group now feels this is the time to
promote this to make everyone aware of it.
Mr. Tucker asked what kind of programs there are
nationally for this week and Mr. Cavanaugh replied
that there will be different local engineering groups.
Mr. Tucker asked if there was a national pattern
and Mr. Zitso replied in the affirmative. He said the
National Society of Professional Engineers have set up
a kit to promote National Engineers ' Week. This kit
includes speeches, banners, etc.
Mr. Tucker inquired as to what kind of engineers
are -involved and Mr. Zitso replied it includes all regis-
tered engineers regardless of type. They represent all
the engineering profession.
The Chairman said, as he understands it, it is the
hope of the National Committee and the local Committee
that by starting a program this size in some town of
significance, the idea will catch on and spread through-
out the country that other towns may try and copy the
kind of program started by this first town.
Mr. Zitso said that was correct and he has a pro-
gram of promoting and publicizing.
Mr. Cavanaugh said they hope to get a national
magazine to cover this and a national T.V. program to
cover it.
Mr. Tucker referred to the cost of X500 and asked
if that was a cost to the Town.
Mr. Zitso said that he d d not know actually what
it will cost.
Mr. Tucker asked if these would be public funds
and Mr. Zitso replied not necessarily. He said he as-
sumed there would be a cost to Town Committees to cover
stationery, postage and secretarial help. He explained
it could be donated by organizations. He stated that
there is no cost as far as the Greater Boston Committee
is concerned.
Mr. Cavanaugh said the cost could be written into
the departments. He said they wanted the Board to ap-
point a Committee to do this and everyone will want to
be on that committee.
The Chairman said he did not think it is quite
that simple.
Mrs. Morey pointed out that schools will be closed
that week and asked if they had discussed ittitth the
School Committee.
Mr. Zitso explained that it is celebrated that
week because of Washington's birthday and they will move
the school program up a week before.
The Chairman said that as he understood it, the
Town would only be committed to appointing a committee
and making Cary Hall available for a meeting.
Mr. Zitso said that was about it.
174
The Chairman said the Board would discuss the sub-
ject
and he would advise Mr. Zitso in the morning of
its decision.
Messrs. Zitso and Cavanaugh retired at 9:35 P.M.
Letter was received from Mrs. Elizabeth McKeon
40 Bernard Street, relative to an accumulation of
water on her lawn which she claimed to be a result
Drainage of the construction of the street.
The subject was discussed with Mr. Gayer and he
said that this is a case of a little loam and a little
gravel and he thought it could be taken care of with-
out much trouble.
Mr. Gayer referred to water and sewer betterments
in connection with the Motel and reported that he had
Sewer & discussed the subject with Mr. Seabury and also added
Water for the cost of a meter. He said in this case their 6"
Seabury line runs from Massachusetts Avenue over to their
hew building site, and since this is their main, he
thought the meter should go in a pit in Massachusetts
Avenue. He reported that a fire meter, which would
be required to pass the Fire Underwriters, plus a 3"
bypass meter, will run $1200, with a total to them
of $3,545. This figure comprises $1745 for sewer,
$600 for water and 01200 for meter. He said they dontt
see why they should pay betterments, but he thought it
could be explained to them.
The Chairman asked if they were going to put in
their own sewer connection all the way up to Massachu-
setts Avenue in addition to this and Mr. Gayer replied
in the affirmative.
Mr. Gayer said he told them he would build the
manhole for the meter and would be willing to maintain
it* He said he felt the Town should keep the meter in
repair.
Mr. Maloney agreed and asked if the cost fox
installing the meter was included in the $1200 and
Mr. Gayer replied in the negative.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
Licenses to grant the following licenses:
Schragle Motors, Inc. 34 Bedford St. 1st. Cls. Agnt. Renl.
Morris Motors 400 Waltham St. " " " "
Countryside Delicatessen 321 Woburn St. Com. Viet. Renl.
Hancock Market 6 North Hancgek " " "
Howard D. Johnson, Co. Route 128 " " "
Mary A. Rowland 150 Lowell St.
The 1775 House, Inc . 130 Pleasant St. " " "
Village Variety Store 93 Mass. Ave. " " "
Wild Acre Inn 50 Percy Road " " "
175
The Chairman referred to an accident that occurred
at the corner of Hancock and Bedfo §cp reets, where a Street
boy was hit by an automobile, and/ . Gayer to find out lights
whether or not better illumination can be provided.
An order was received from the Department of Public
Utilities granting its consent to the removal of the Woburn Stred
manually operated crossing gates by a gate tender at grade
the Woburn Street grade crossing, provided all trains crossing
stop before passing onto the crossing and the movement
of the train is protected by a member of the crew dis-
playing a red flag by day and a lighted red lantern
by night.
Mr. Stevens referred to a claim for damages in the
amount of $95, for damages to a car owned by a Mr. Claim
Cormier caused wheh a length of water pipe fell off a
Town water trunk.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to authorize settlement of the claim, proper releases
to be obtained by Mr. .Stevens.
Mr. Stevens retired at 10:00- P.M.
The Chairman read a letter from the State Depart-
' ment of Public Works relative to a proposed Special Speed
Speed Regulation for certain town ways. Speed Control Control
personnel from the Department and from the Registry
have found the proposed limits in accord with Depart-
ment and Registry standards.
As soon as possible, a public hearing will be
held at 100 Nashua Street and notice of the hearing
will. be advertised in the local paper.
Application for a certificate of incorporation
was received from the Secretary of State on behalf Cert. of
of Sanborn Co Brown, 37 Maple Street; the corporation Inc.
to be known as the New England Section of the American
Association of Physics Teachers, Inc.
Upon motion duly made and Seconded, it was voted
to sign the application and return it to the Secretary of
State.
The Chairman read a letter from Superintendent Town
John Blackhall Smith relative to inclusion of financial Report
statistics in the 1957 Annual School Report.
Letter was received from J. H. Westerbeke Corp.
relative to a Service Agreement for maintenance of
the emergency generating equipment in the new Town Generator
Office Building, the charge $70 per year. maintenance
It was the Board' s decision not to enter into
such an agreement.
176
Notice was received from the Department of Corpora-
Bonds tions and Taxation advising that the sum of $74,300
has been established as the amount not lees than which
the 1958 bond of the Treasurer shall be written, and
the sum of $89,700 has been established as the amount
not less than which the 1958 bond for the Collector of
Taxes shall be written.
Letter was received from Philip P. Spencer, 41
Asbury Street, offering WO for lots 243-258 inclusive,
Tax title on Asbury Street. Mr. Spencer owns lots 5373539.
The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Spencer
that the Board is not interested in disposing of the
property at the price he offered.
The Board gave further consideration to Mr. John
A. Sharkey's offer of $200 for lot 13, Hazel Road, A.
Tax title proposal to sell this lot was advertised in the Dec-
ember 5, 1957 issue of the Lexington Mihute-man. No
persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result
of the advertisement.
Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney,
it was voted to sell and convey lot 13 Hazel Road to
Mr. Sharkey for $200, the deed to include a forty-foot
setback ao that the road, when constructed, will swing
away from his garage and also a restriction whereby this
lot will hot be built upon individually.
Appointment The Chairman read a letter from Chief Rycroft, ad-
Dog Officer vising that Officer Forten is willing to take over the
duties of Dog Officer.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to appoint George W. Forten Dog Officer in the Town to
fill the unexpired term, ending March 31, 1958, caused
by the math of James F. Mowat.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
Appointment to reappoint James J. Connell, providing he is willing
to accept, a member of the Board of Assessors for a
three-year term expiring January 1, 1961.
The Chairman reported that he had talked to Mr.
Tax title Philip Knox and Mr. Paul Lloyd relative to tax title
lbts 228-233, Freemont Street. He asked Mr. Lloyd if
he would consider acquiring the two lots owned by Knox
if the Board decided to accept Mr. Knox's offer, and
Mr. Lloyd felt that would be a good arrangement.
He talked to Mr. Knox and he was not pleased.
He owns six twenty-foot lots and planned to build two
houses on 120 feet and wanted to acquire these lots to
build two more houses, a total of four houses on six-
ty foot lots. The Chairman told him that even if the
Board decided to sell him six lots, he would be re-
stiicted and could build only one house.
177
He also told Mr. Knox if the Board accepted his offer,
Mr. Lloyd would not have any access and therefore it
was doubtful if the Board would sell the lots. Mr.
Knox said he would think it over and advise the
Chairman of his decision.
The Chairman reported that representatives of
Cabot, Cabot and Forbes wanted to meet with the
Selectmen and the Planning Board Saturday morning at
9:00 A.M. to discuss land, on which they have an
option, at the corner of Route 128 and Route 2.
Letter was received from Mrs. Rich, Collector of
Taxes, together with a list of ambulance charges which
she has been unable to collect. She asked that the
Board consider abating the charges, some of which Ambulance
dated back to 1951. charges
The Board was under the impression that abatements
made last year brought the unpaid accounts up to date
and decided to ask the Collector if this recent list
includes all unpaid charges and also why they are con-
' sidered to be uncollectable.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
A true record, Attest :
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