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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-12-02-BOS-min 150Pwat ►-• c SELECTMEN' S MEETING December 2, 1957 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, December 2, 1957, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman James, Messrs. Reed, Maloney, Tucker and Mrs. Morey were present. The Executive Clerk was also present. Mr. Alan G. Adams met with the Board and referred to a meeting held some time ago at which time, the Chair- man of the Board acted as Moderator on the Hobbs Brook Basin discussion. He reported that he talked to a number of people in other towns, unofficially, and there Petition was the question of how to proceed. The other day, he re Hobbs mentioned the subject to Senator Ferguson and realized Brook the date for filling a bill is close. After discussing this with Senator Ferguson and others, he felt it was advisable to file a bill. Mr. Ferguson suggested that either the M.D.C. or the State Department of Natural Resourses take it. Mr. Ad s said he agreed with the suggestion of having the/abamission on Beachea study it and report at the next annual session. He said that there appears little to lose and probably there will not be much opposition to having a study made. Mr. Adams presented a petition which he asked the Board to sign as individuals or as members of the Board. Mr. Adams retired at 7:40 P.M. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to sign an instrument granting permission to the Boston Edison Company and the New England Tele- phone and Telegraph Company for permission to maintain two anchor guys and three poles on Worthen Road running from Waltham Street. The Chairman read a copy of letter from Mr. Gayer to Mrs. Ruth King, 50 Burlington Street, with refer- ence to her complaint about drainage in front of her property. He advised that the problem can be corrected Drainage with hot top and he has issued an order for this work to be done as soon as possible. The Chairman explained that Mr. Gayer would like to try this first as he is ofihe opinion it will cor- rect the situation. If not, he will then do something about the drain. 151 Letter was received from the Mystic Valley Gas Company requesting permission to locate 480' of 4" steel high pressure gas main in Worthen Road for the purpose of supplying gas to a new development on Baskin Road. The proposed location was approved by Mr. Gayer Mrs. Morey reported that work has already been started and said she thought the company should not start laying mains until the request had been made and acted upon by the Board. She suggested that Gas main a memo be written to Mr. Gayer advising that if the Board has to approve proposed installations or sign any instruments, the work should not be started until approved by the Board and that all installations should first go through regular formalities. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted that the request be granted subject to the installation be done according to Mr. Gayer's require- ments and specifications. Request was received from John Cuccinello, 72 Valleyfield Street, d.b.a. Champion Disposal Service, for permission to distribute circulars at the dump Permit on December 14th and 15th from 9:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. ' Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to grant the reouest and issue a permit for December 14th and 15th between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Town Counsel with reference to tax title lot 11, Block 88, Short Street. Mr. Stevens reported that record title of the land has, at least until very recently he was told, Tax title been in the name of Mary E. Henshaw. The property was taken for nonpayment of the 1951 and 1952 taxes by in- strument recorded in Book 8106, Page 274, and the tax lien foreclosed by deed from the treasurer to the Town dated November 15, 1956. As the result of the receipt of an offer for the land, the Board advertised and received a call from Mr. Samuel Borella who stated that his mother, Concetta Lembo, purchased the lot some time ago but never recorded the deed, In talking to Mr. Carroll, he was advised that Mr. Borella showed him the paper which was called a deed, but it/M§Pely the deed to Mary E. Henshaw. Mr. Carroll understands that very recently Mr. Borella obtained a deed of this lot from Mrs. Henshaw and has now recorded it. Mr. Stevens explained that this would have no effect on the Town's acquisition of the land for non- payment of taxes. The question for the Board is whether 152 or not to sell the lot to the person who made the offer ' or to Mrs. Lembo. The latter apparently owns the ad- joining lots 9 and 10. Mr. Maloney said he thought the only fair action to take would be to have Mrs . Lembo pay all the expenses, back taxes, advertising, etc . , which would be the pur- chase price. The Clerk was instructed to find out what the taxes would have been. The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Onel Deflicea3 offer of $200 each for lots 1 and 2, Block 29, Reed Street, plus sewer betterment of $175. A proposal to sell these lots was advertised in the November 21, 1957 issue of the Lexington Minute-man. Tax title No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a re- sult of the advertisement. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to sell and convey lots 1 and 2, block 29 Reed Street, to Onel Defiles for $200 each plus •' sewer betterment in the amount of $175. Letter was received from the Lexington Field and Garden Club requesting permission to plant shrubs Emery Park in Emery Park next Spring and to place markers on & Common the trees on the Common for identification purposes . The Board had no objection and Mrs. Morey sug- gested that the Club discuss the subject with the Historic Districts Commission. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Russel H. Kettell with reference to the Historic Districts O mmission. Appointment Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to reappoint Mr. Kettell a member of the Historic Districts Commission for a term expiring January 1, 1963. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Lexington Liquor Mart, Inc. 1849 Mass. Ave. Package Gds . St. Ren. Joseph Trani, Inc. 1757 Mass. Ave. " " " " I. W. Douglas 915A Waltham St, First Class Agnt. " At 8:15 P.M. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Graziano, 20 Thesda Street, Arlington, met with the Board. Mr. Graziano said that he has a problem on Phil- omen Street. He bought the property in 1946 ald found that some of the lots were not taxed to. him. He consulted his attorney, who was Mr. O'Connell, at the time. He died and in the meantime, Mr. GraziOno came into the Town Offices and had the matter straightened out. I _. 18 He stated that some of the lots were put back on his tax bill and he paid taxes for them. Then they were taken off the tax bill and he did not discover it until after it was done. He went to the Assessor's office but could not find out why. Mr. Reed recalled a meeting some time ago with the Board of Assessors and Mr. Carroll after which it was agreed to put these lots back on his tax bill Graziano and he paid it. He said he thought it would be lots difficult for the Selectmen to make any decision with- Philomen out checking with the Board of Assessors. Street The Chairman suggested consulting Town Counsel, Mr. Graziano stated that Mr. Carroll had a letter from Town Counsel which explained the situation but since that time some of the lots have been taken off his tax bill and no one seems to know why. He said he tried to get a copy of the letter from Mr. Carroll but he cannot find it. The Chairmap asked what was the last year in which Mr. Graziano paid taxes on the lots and he re- plied that he thought it was two years;ga He did not discover this until one of the Town Engineers gave him a map and he checked back on the numbers. Mr. Reed asked what the lot numbers are and Mr. Graziano replied 354, 355, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370. ' His 1955 tax bill showed lots 365, 366, 367-370 in- clusive, 373,- 385 inclusive, 390-393 inclusive, part of lot 135, 349-355 inclusive. The Chairman said that he would contact Mr. Cronin in the Assessors ' Office and see if the matter can be straightened out. Mr. and Mrs. Graziano retired at 8:35 P.M. Chief Rycroft and Lieutenant Corr met with the Board. Lientenant Corr said he had four copies of the Rules and Regulations for speed zoning which are to be signed by the Board of Selectmen and attested. They will then be sent to the Registry of Motor Vehi- cles who call a public hearing, after notice of the hearing has been published in the local paper for three weeks. If, after the hearing, there are no objections to the posted speed limits, the Rules and Regulations will then be signed by the Registry and returned to the Town to become a part of the Traffic Rules and Regulations . Lieutenant Corr said that since the Town purchased , the radar machine, the Department has been taking so- called frontal readings of cars on all the streets they plan to zone. They arrived at what they call the 85% frontal speed. This is determined by taking the speed of 100 cars, then counting down fifteen x's . If the 85th car is going 33 miles an hour, that is 85 frontal speed. 154 He explained that they take into consideration one or two land traffic, thickly settled, business, sidewalks, etc. Lieutenant Corr explained that the regulations have been prepared the way the Registry of Motor Vehi- cles and Department of Public Works wants them. A man was sent out to show the Department exactly how the regulations were to be set up. The Chairman said that it would be necessary to get an appropriation at the next Town Meeting for tie signs. Lieutenant Corr said that the cost for the signs, complete, including installation, will be approximately $3600. Chief Rycroft reported that he had talked with Mr. Palmer, who had been in touch with Mr. Dine. Mr. Dine said he could not see how money could be held over so Hold over they would not have to wait until next April. He ex- plained that Town Counsel was going to check further. The Chairman asked if the Chef had any report as to the examination and he replied in the negative. He said he probably would not know until about the twenti- eth of April and then there is a period for appeals. Mrs. Morey mentioned that the Board had talked about restricting parking to one side of Bedford No Parking Street at Dr. Piouht propefity. The Chief said that he would recommend no park- ing on the tsftt-hand side going up Bedford Street and his reason was that patients would not have to cross the street to get to the doctor's office. Mr. Tucker asked about restricting parking in front of the Central Block between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and 6:30 P.M. and the Chief stated that he would be in favor. The Chairman reported that he had Mr. Gayer check into the use of Chapter 718 funds. The estimate cost of widening Massachusetts Avenue at Pelham Road, re- placing the stonewall and relocating Pelham Road is 53,000 of which ;211 ,000 is for the stonewall. The Chairman said he would like to see a detailed Chapter plan showing exactly what Mr. Gayer proposes to do 718 funds and the Board agreed. Mr. Reed said he would like to make this a number one project and use these funds. The Chairman said that the Board could let a con- tract and go ahead with the work. Mrs. Morey said that she would like to see a lay- out before voting on it. Mr. Tucker suggested that the Police Department X55 be requested to submit an accident report for this area. The Chairman said that the Board should consider, at the same time, what iS to be done on the other side of the street. The Chairman reported that Mr. Gayer advised him that he will need $800 for Sewer Maintenance to carry him through the balance of this year. Of this amount, Transfer $400 is the Boston Edison bill for December and the balance is for miscellaneous sewer blocks. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by N . Maloney, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $800 from the Reserve Fund to the Sewer Maintenance Account. The Chairman reported that he talked with Mr. Stevens today in connection with Dr. Barnes / claim for damages. Some time ago, the Board authorized him Barne0 to settle for $2,500. Now Dr. Barnes wants another claim $100 or $200. Mr. Stevens said that he would refer the matter to the Board. The Board voted not to increase the amount author- ized to settle the claim. The Chairman reported that after the meeting last week, he talked to the Planning Board relative to the petition for a Special Town Meeting and they said they were not prepared to write an article now. If they have to, they would be opposed because the traffic problem has not been solved. He said that he explained to them that it was something for the Selectmen or the people to decide. Mr. Maloney said he thought it would be better to have .the subject go to a referendum. Mrs. Morey began to discuss a meeting to be spon- sored by the Selectmen to discuss the proposed zoning change, but at that time the following members of the Recreation Committee came into the meeting: Chairman Allen, Messrs. .Ferguson, Kelly, Wells and Mrs. Wanless. Mr. Samborski was also present. Mr. Allen explained that the Committee would like the Board to know how much money the Committee will request for next year. The Chairman referred to his letter relative to the $12,000 transfer and explained that the Board did not feel justified in recommending the entire amount. Mr. Allen asked what the Chairman meant by long-term items. The Chairman explained that one of the points the Committee made was that there were some long- term delivery items, pumps, motors , etc. , which if 1 .5 they waited until April to order, they would not be delivered in time to have the pool operating in the Summer. He said if the Board knew now what the cost of those items was , it would recommend a transfer of that amount. Mr. Samborski explained that one company broke it down to the extent that the equipment would be $4500 and the installation would cost again as much or the two combined would be $10,000. He said the equipment would be in the vicinity of $4500 or $5000. He said he could get it broken down if he had to in a day or two. The Chairman explained that if the Selectmen recommend a transfer of $12,000 and it it approved, there would not be sufficient funds in the Reserve Fund to take care of a possible snow storm. He said the Board would prefer not to put itself in that pos- ition. Mr. Allen said that would be all right because the installation would not come untilafter the Annual Transfer Town Meeting. The Chairman said that the Board does not want to deplete the Reserve Fund any more than necessary. Mr. Allen asked if the Committee could use the money after Town Meeting or the first of April, and the Chairman explained that they should make provis- ions to have it carried over. Mr. Reed advised that the Committee should include the difference in the 1958 budget, and said if there is $12,000 left in the Reserve Fund after the last day of December, the Selectmen could request the Appropria- tion Committee to transfer it. Mr. Ferguson suggested that it be _determined whether or not the companies would sign a contract for the mater- ials and sign a contract later on for installation. Mr. Samborski said that one company suggested that the bids go out that way; one for equipment and< one for installation. Mr. Allen said that the Committee would obtain the figures and submit them to the Board. Mr. Samborski said that they have to get out rather fast with the bids and asked if the money can be used as soon as it is transferred. The Chairman explained that he could get bids on the equipment then. Mr. Samborski said that as soon as the transfer is made, he will contact Town Counsel. Mr. Reed asked if the Appropriation Committee might want to talk to the Recreation Committee and the Chair- man replied he thought so. Mr. Ke]ay said that step number one is for Mr. Samborski to get some figures. The Chairman said that step number two, on the X57 basis of that, the Board will request a transfer and step nember three is for the Recreation Committee to meet with the Appropriation Committee. Mr. Ferguson said the understanding is that the Recreation Committee will get a breakdown of the figures and give it to the Board of Selectmen who will then ask for a transfer for materials . If there is money available at the end of the year, the Selectmen will request another transfer. Mr. Allen said that he has some figures on his budget for next year and gave the amount of $10,$ 7 for Personal Services. The expenses amount to 21.x.,657. He called attention to the fact that there is a change in the Personal Services, the outstanding change is for clerical and secretarial work. They would like to clange it from $300 to $800 and the $500 increase is for someone of the girle in the building or part- time help. The Committee would like to have someone in the building at least answer questions when people call. Now they do not know who to call and if they do call, no one can give any information about recre- ation. The Chairman asked if the $500 item was for serv- ices after hours and Mr. Allen replied in the negative . The Chairman asked if the $500 was to defray part of the salary of some girl already employed, and Mr. Allen replied in the affirmative . X500 Mr. Reed asked how the Committee would use the to pay a girl and Mr. Ferguson repled that the Committee does not know. It is a bookkeeping proposition. Mr. Allen said that the amount for supervisors and instructors has increased because the Committee feels they have been receiving the minimum of pay. The Com- mittee wants to retain the good instructors it has and this increase means $5.00 a week more. He explained that the Committee would like to Recreation illuminate the center skating rink and the closest Budget figure the Committee has been able to get is $1800. They have a figure of $3500 for track facilities. The Committee would like to recondition the track because it received a letter from Mr. Abel stating that if something is not done about the track, the Lexington team will be barred from taking part in track events . There is an item of $2500 for playground improvements . The Committee would like to hardtop a section for basket- ball, but not necessarily have a basketball court. Mr. Allen said they would like to resurface, reloam and recondition the hockey field which is anything but good now. He stated that they have no definite figure but have suggested figures. It could go as high as $5,000. There is an item of $7,000f or putting the 158 playground at the Adams School in playing condition again. A figure of $1,000 has been included for paint- ing the stands at the football field, the painting to be done with Town help. He said he did not know if this item should be in the Recreation budget or in the school budget, but the Recreation Committee paid for it the last time. Mrs. Morey asked why loaming the fields and play- ' grounds should not be in the Park Department budget. Mr. Reed said he thought it was taken out of the Recreation budget last year and put in the Park Depart- ment. . Mr. Allen said the Committee does not necessarily want it in their budget but the work should be done . The Chairman asked if the Committee had any plans to ask for an appropriation over and above that already appropriated for the Baskin area or the sandpit area. Mr. Kelly said that the Committee hesitated to ask any specific amount. He said it seems at times that the Recreation Committee takes care of certain itmes and then at times the Park Department takes care of them. The Chairman said that, at least for the moment, he thought the Recreation Committee should include these items in its budget and let someone else dis- perse them. 1Ir. Reed said he thought repairing the track should be in the Park Department budget. Mrs . Morey asked if the Recreation Committee was supposed to administer a recreation program for the Town. She said certain items are necessary for administrating the program. The grandstands to watch it is maintenance . She suggested that the Committee recommend capital expenditures and said that the Select- men are then supposed to allocate the items to the de partment that would properly handle them. The Chairman pointed out that some of the items are repairs, improvements and maintenance. Mr. Allen explained that the recreation facilities of the Town are down so low now the Town will have to consider spending a lot of money. Mr. Kelly said that all the things listed in the budget have to be done fairly soon. Mr. Ferguson said that there is the possibility there may be some more land the Committee will want to acquire down by the Harrington School and how much it would cost is anyoneLe ;guess. The Chairman explained that the Committee makes the recommendation to the Planning Board, that Board gets the option and the Selectmen acquire the property. Mr. Ferguson said that the Committee will recommend to the Planning Board that it acquirerland adjacent to 159 the old reservoir. It has been used for skating for a number of years and not much has been done to it . He explained that the Committee is loathe to do anything until it can get some other access to it other than off Matrett Road. The Committee would like to acquire some land in back which mbnikt be levelled off and made into a play area for the children in the fpring, Summer amid Fall and used aa- a parking area in the Winter when there is skating. Mr. Fergusonnsaid that the Committee in also go- ing to ask the Planning Board to ba on the lookout in the Lowell -Street area, East Lexington. Mr. Reed said that the Planning Board has an area in mind off Circle Road. Mr. Ferguson said that Charles and Oak Streets is another area where they would like to acquire some land. Mr. Wells said a lot of the Connnitteets planning depends on the attitude of the School Committee . Mr. Ferguson said that if the school playground areas are not going to be available, it will change the Committee 's thinking on them. Mr. Ferguson referred to long-range planning and explained that the other projects they have con- sidered for a five-year period is the Baskin property, the development of the gravel pit, lighting other skating areas, development of more base ball diamonds around theTown and an additional swimming pool. The Chairman suggested that the Committee might consider the Great Meadows in its application to the recreation program. He explained that the Board is discussing it with the Board of Selectmen in Arlington and trying to work ogt sons way by which Lexington cam acquire it, now owned by Arlington, for recreation purposes so it won't be sold for housing developments. The Chairman said that all that can be done as far as development is concerned, is for the Committee to establish song figure for every year and go as far as that amount of money allows. The Committee retired-at 10:30 P.M. at which time the meeting adjourned. A true record, Attest: 44 `6 f -exec tivejblerk, Selecten 1