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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-11-25-BOS-min 141 SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 25, 1957 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, November 25, 1957 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman James, Messrs. Reed, Maloney, Tucker and Mrs. Morey were present. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, and the Executive Clerk were also present. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to sign a deed, prepared by Town Counsel, conveying tax title lot 5 Massachusetts Avenue (Munroe Tax title East Lexington) to William E. Maloney, 289 Bedford Street, Lexington. Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to sign a deed, prepared by Town Counselp , conveying Lots 73 to 76 inclusive, Block D, Garfield Tax title Street to Mr. Donald Edward Watson, 65 Reed Street, Lexington. Mr. Stevens presented a petition for legislation authorizing the Town to borrow money for remodeling, reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs "to its existing Junior High School building and for re- Legislation equipping and refurnishing said school building. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to sign the petition for legislation to borrow outside the debt limit. Mr. Stevens presented a petition for legislation to further define the membership, powers and duties Legislation of the Historic Districts Commission;. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to sign the petition. Mr. Stevens referred to the sewer, which he under- stood was for the motel, formerly Seabury and now Asso- ciates Realty Trust of Lexington, and explained that it Seabury was originally designed to cross Route 128 and extend sewer across Lot B, conveyed to the Town by Seabury, and then through an easement, conveyed by the Town, and across the church land to School Street. He said there was some discussion about substituting a sewer running along Route 128 out to Massachusetts Avenue, and presented a plan which showed a strip for a tempo- rary sewer easement of twenty foot width. 142 1°•e He explained that the Town is in no position to grant an easement without a Town meeting vote. He said as he understood the situation, from John Carroll, the idea is a trunk sewer to go up there at which time this sewer which is to be put in by and at the expense of the Associates Realty Trust will be taken out. He said he thought they would be satisfied with Just a permit that they will release the sewer easement across Town land when the trunk sewer is built. Mr. Maloney said he thought the Town was going to charge them the cost and put in the trunk line down to that point. Mr. Reed said he brought this up once before. It was his understanding that it would be less expensive for them to extend the trunk newer to that point or the Town extend it and they pay for it. Mr. Stevens said that John Carroll may not have this correct. Mr. Maloney said that eventually the Town is• going up there with a sewer main. He said the people in the rear section were told that the sewer would be up there and it was the Board's intention to put the trunk line in. Mr. Reed said he thought the Town would be saving money if they extended the trunk sewer. Mr. Stevens explained that Seabury filed a plan and Mr. Snow advised him to get in touch with Mr. Stevens. Mrs. Morey said they would still have to go under Route 128 and Mr. Stevens said he did not know if there had been a meeting of the minds yet. The Chairman said that it seemed to him obvious that someone would have to talk with thew. Mr. Stevens agreed to talk to John Carroll to- morrow. He said it would be the Town's line and an easement would not be necessary. Mrs. Morey asked how much a trunk sewer cost per foot and the Chairman replied that they average $50 a foot. He said the ordinary laterals are running *15 and this will be the same size main just put in which is twenty-seven feet. Mr. Reed explained that they will save money if the Town extends the sewer and the Board should find out if they will go along with the extension of the trunk. The Chairman said he thought someone should sit down with them and determine what it will cost to put in a pumping station. Mr. Stevens said that someone should talk with them on the time this has to be done. If they are willing to pay a substantial part and the money is available to do it, it would be a substantial saving. 143 He said the Town would have to give them the right to put it in subject to some reservations. He said the Town could not have someone else do it but he thought something could be worked out and agreed to discuss it with John Carroll in the morning. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Stevens re the Maria Hastings School lot, He has completed acquisition of the parcel of land containing about Maria 2.9 acres that the Town Meeting voted, under article Hastings 60 of the Warrant for the 1957 meeting, be acquired School lot by the Selectmen for school and playground purposes and to be added to and made a part of the school lot. The deed is dated November 8, 1957 and was recorded on November 21, 1957. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Stevens ad- vising that the Department of Public Utilities has Boston & granted the Selectmen's- request for a local hearing Maine Rail- on the Boston and Maine Railroad petition. No date road hearing has been set for the hearing and as the petition did not ask that the hearing be held locally, he assumed the separate hearing will be held in Boston. Letter was received from Mr. Stevens with refer- ence to tax title lots 1 and 2, Block 18, Reed Street which was sold in 1953 to James F. Sawyer. Mr, Stevens wanted to know if it was the Selectmen's intention to have a provision inserted in the deed requiting these two lots to be combined for building purposes or to require them to be combined to adjoining land, if Mr. Sawyer owns, such, for building purposes . Mr. Reed explained that in 1953 the Board was not requiring tax title lots to be combined. The Chairman said that he could see nothing practical to be gained by requiring these two lots to be combined for building purposes and would so advise Mr. Stevens. The Chairman read g letter from Mrs. Marek, Chair- man of the School Committee, advising that the Committee Use of has voted to grant Mr. Corrigan permission to use the school High School driveway as request in the Board' s letter driveway of November 18th. The permission was granted with the understanding that Mr. Corrigan must make the necessary arrangements with Mr. Smith. Letter was received from Mr. George C. Sheldon, together with petition requesting the Board to call a Petition for Special Town Meeting at its conventience to consider Town Meeting whatever action may be advisable in relation to the proposed shopping center at Routes 2 and 128. 144 211. The petition also requested that the Planning Board hold necessary hearings prior to the Special Town Meeting. The Chairman reported that Town Counsel advised this is not a legal petition since it does not con- tain the correct wording and Mr. Carroll reported that there were only 223 names on it properly signed. He said that, nevertheless, it does represent an obli- gation on the part of the Board and he felt something should be done about it. He reported that Kr. Grindle, Chairman of the Planning Board is to find out whether or not that Board is prepared to write an article at this time, hold public hearings and then have a Special Town Meeting called as soon as possible . He told the Board that Mr. Grindle would report back this evening. Mr. John H. Brooks, Jr. , Chairman of the Additional Town Office Building Committee, and Mr. Frederic K. Johnson, a member of the Committee, met with the Board. New Town Mr. Brooks reported that he received a letter Office from Mr. Greeley, the architect, advising that he New Town Building has accepted the building as of November 19, 1957 Office and at any time now the various departments can Building move in. Mr. Brooks said the Committee would like to have the moving started because it there are any thinga. that might be discovered that they would like to discuss, it would be well to know about them as soon as possible . He asked if the Committee would instruct the departments to move in or if that was something for the Selectmen to do. The Chairman said that he thought it was the msponsibility of the Selectmen. Mr. Reed asked if Mr. Brooks wanted to discuss plane for open house. Mr. Brooks said he would like to know whether or not the Committee should give notice to the paper and then assign some time the building would be open for inspection. The Chairman said that he thought that was a good suggestion but after the moving is completed. He said he would like to see the departments in and then a date set for open house. Mr. Brooks asked if the open house would be taken care of by the Board and Mrs. Money said it should be both the Committee and the Board. The Chairman said this was an official notice that the building is ready for occupancy and said he thought it might be well for the Committee to put it ih writing for the record. Messrs . Brooks and Johnson retired at 8:08 P. M. 145 The Chairman reported that Mr. Leonard Jellis called him and said that Mr. Carroll had telephoned Tax title and told him that the Town now owns that triangular piece of land. Letter was received from Mrs . Ruth King, 50 Burlington Street, together with copy of letter to the Public Works Department, relative to the accumu- lation of water at the foot of her driveway. Drainage It was the opinion of the Board that the con- dition should be corrected and the Chairman was authorized to discuss the subject with Mr. Gayer. The Chairman read a letter from Brewer & Lord reporting that the Superintendent of Schools has asked him to submit to the Board of Selectmen a proposal for Burglary and Theft insurance on the Insurance contents of the school buildings . Recently a type- writer was stolen from one of the schools and, to the best of Mr. Hill ' s knowledge , this is the second time it has occurred within the last year or so Mr. Smith thinks that the minimum amount of insurance that can be written, namely $1,350, would be sufficient. There is a policy on the High School contents, written some years ago, which leaves eight schools to be considered at a cost of $1,350 being $47.25 per school or a total of $378 for three years . Mrs . Morey raised the question as to why insurance on school contents should not be paid for from the school budget . Mr. Stevens said that actually it makes no dif- ference as it is all town money The Chairman asked if this particular coverage would include items such as a stolen overcoat and Mr. Stevens replied in the negative. Mr. Reed reported that, in his report on insurance, Mr. Robert Cave advised the Board not to carry it. Mrs. Morey felt that the schools were more likely to have vandalism than actual theft. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mrs . Morey, it was voted not to place Burglary and Theft insurance on the contents of the school buildings, it being the opinion of the Board that theft from school property is not extensive enough to warrant the expense involved for such coverage. Messrs. MacDonald, Madden, Emerson.ar,ldaicker, of the Group Insurance Study Committee, met with the Board. Mr. MedDonald explained that the Committee would like to make certain it is not going beyond what it was authorized to do by Town Meeting. 146 2' •-C Mr. Stevens explained that the Committee is to make a study and submit recommendations . He said the Com- mittee may have to make a written report and have it circulated as there will be no opportunity to explain this because it has to be accepted on the ballot. He said that if the Committee decides on what it thinks is the best plan for the Town and then gets approximate figures, not bids, because it will be necessary to have an approximate cost, the Committee would not be in an embarrassing position Stevens said that the idea was that the Selectmen would have a report from the Committee and eventhough Group the question is put on the ballot, if the report was Insurance sent to the voters, it would be something to guide them. If the report is sent out about the time the Warrant is sent out, it will guide the voters when they go to the polls. The Chairman explained that the Warrant has to be sent to the printer about the twelfth of February. He said there is still a possibility of having a Town Meeting before the Annual Meeting. Mr. Stevens explained that the voters are the ones who need the report and it was thought at the time that there would be a Fall Town Meeting. Mr. Stevens stated that if it is accepted on the ballot, the Selectmen can take it up from there, and it would be it operation the first of June or July. There- fore, something will have to be appropriated at the Annual Town Meeting. The group and Mr. Stevens retired at 9:25 P. M. The Chairman read a letter from the Recreation Com- mittee requesting $12,000 to make the necessary repairs and replacements for the swimming pool mechanism. The Chairman said he thought there would be sufficient funds in the Reserve Fund to enable the Com- mittee to purchase the long-term delivery items about (Transfer which it is concerned. He said it is possible that the Committee may not need the entire $12,000. It was agreed to request the Committee to submit an estimate of the cost of the long-term delivery items that it will need. Upon receipt of this information, the Board can then request a transfer from the Reserve Fund to cover those particular items, the Committee to explain the situation to the Appropriation Committee . The Chairman read a letter from Superintendent Smith stating that there is quite a bit of explaining to do when three of his principals have 3200 lbs . of equipment is dropped into their buildings without any 111warning. He also mentioned that there have been at 147 least four incidents during the past six months in Schools which various town departments have imposed matters on the schools and personnel The Chairman said that he did not know about the incidents to which Mr. Smith referred, but the first one was probably the voting machines . He discussed the subject with Mr. Smith last week be- fore the machines arrived and at that time , he agreed to take them. The Chairman said he wouhld call Mr. Smith and dis- cuss the matter with him. The Chairman read a letter from Donald T. Clarke, Secretary to the School Committee, stating that the facilities in the Barnes property could be used advantageously by the Central Administration Barnes of the schools for a good many years. The School Property Committee would like the Selectmen to consider the matter and meet with the Committee to discuss the subject. Mr. Maloney suggested that the Board charge rent for the use of the building and the Chairman agreed, stating that the building would still be under the control of the Selectmen. Mrs . Morey said the Board could give the School Committee space, let the Committee renovate it to suit it and the Town could maintain it . The Chairman said he thought the Board should defer action on this particular request until it is determined how the people now in the Barnes property are going to be arranged. He said presumably there is no objection to the School Committee using the build- ing if suitable space can be found in this building for those departments now occupying the Barnes property. Mr. Reed said he thought the new building should be occupied first and he suggested that the Chief be advised to move in as soon as he can. The Chairman agreed to contact Chief Rycroft . Letter was received from Philip Banks , 420 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, requesting permission to carry on geological investigation in the Great Meadows for use in his Bachelor's thesis. The Board had no objection. Report was received from the Police Department relative to an investigation made of complaint from Dogs William Gibbs, about vicious dogs in his neighborhood. The Chairman explained that the situation has been taken care of and it will not be necessary for the Board to hold a hearing. Further consideration was given to Mr. Edwin A. Wheelerta offer to purchase Lot 19, Block 18, Reed Tax title Street. 148 2 Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted that a proposal to sell be advertised in the Lexington Minute-man and that further considera- tion be given to the offer in two weeks . Further consideration was given to Mr. John A. Sharkey's offer to purchase Lot 13, Hazel Road Tax title Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted that a proposal to sell be advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man and that further con- sideration be given the offer in two weeks . Further consideration was given to offers to pur- chase Lots 228-233 inclusive on Freemont Street, re- Tax title ceived from Philip Knox and Paul Lloyd. The Chairman agreed to hold a conference with Mr. Knox and Mr. Lloyd to see if some arrangement can be worked out whereby Mr. Lloyd might acquire two lots owned by Mr. Knox, thereby making an access to Mr. Lloyd 's property for possible future development. The Chairman reported that Mr. Charles G. Davis, of the Historic Districts Commission, had called the Selectmen' s Office stating that Mr. Russell Kettell; ~ whose term on the Commission expires January 1st, Appointment should be urged to accept re-appointment. If he refuses, Mr. Davis feels it is of utmost importance that an architect be appointed to replace him. The Chairman agreed to write Mr. Kettell and ask him to continue to serve on the Commission. License Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to grant a First Class Agent 's license to the Colonial Garage, Inc. Memo was received from Mr. Gayer advising that he would like to use Chapter 718 funds for reconstructing Massachusetts Avenue. Chapter 718 The Chairman said he would like a recommendation funds from Mr. Gayer as to where to use the entire amount of money available . Mr. Maloney said he would like to have something done about the curve at Pelham Road. The Chairman agreed to ask Mr. Gayer to consider that location and submit a list of work he recommends be done with these funds Mrs. Morey reported that she talked with the Chair- man of the Belmont Incinerator Committee and found that Dumps they are having a meeting tomorrow night to request the Selectmen to call a Special Town Meeting to appropriate money for an incinerator. The amount re- requested is $465,000 which will provide for an incinerator 149 to operate five days a week with a capacity of seventy- five tons. Originally they wanted a $640,000 incinerator but the Town did not act favorably. She reported that the road to the site has been constructed. She brought up the point that Lexington might go into this on a co- operative basis but the Chairman advised her that was interesting but they are all prepared to go to Town Meeting. The Chairman explained that at a meeting held some time ago, Mr. Flett made it very clear that Belmont did not want any other town involved. Mr. Maloney pointed out that if Lexington is not going to have industry, there is ample land available for dumping. The Chairman explained that two dump sites mentioned were at the opposite ends of town; one in the Utica Street area and the other on Westview Street. Upon motion of Mrs . Morey, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to ask the Planning Board, following the recommendation of the Refuse and Garbage Disposal Study Committee, to consider the subject and submit recommenda- tions as to where two dumps should be established. Mrs. Morey reported that the School Sites Committee would like to meet with the Selectmen for half an hour next Monday night. The Chairman agreed to write a letter relative to complaints about planes flying from Bedford Airport and also to Senator Saltonstall relative to funds for schools. The meeting adjourned. at 10:30 P. M. A true record, Attest : 1 � -,i1(/ ecAive C1erSelect n