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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-11-18-BOS-min 11.29 SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 18, 1957 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, November 18, 1957 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman 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 petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for a pole location on Upland Road. Pole Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Com- location pany, was present. He explained that the telephone company advised that the present pole is pretty much decayed and needs to be replaced and suggests relocat- ing it to the lot line. Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the following j/o pole location: Upland Road, northwesterly side, ap- proximately 200 feet southwest of Glen Road, One pole. (One j/o pole to be removed.) Miss Elizabeth Howe, !} Chandler Street, arrived for the pole location hearing and explained that she was representing Mrs. Arthur B. Howe. Mr. Mahon explained the proposed location. Miss Howe did not register any objection and retired from the meeting. Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mrs. Morey, Licenses it was voted to grant the following licensed: Mawhinney Motor Sales 581 Marrett Road 1st Class Agent (Renl.) Auto Engineering, Inc. L.36 Marrett Road Rowe-Jackson Chevrolet 39 Bedford Street " Request for permission to locate two anchor guys Poles and and four poles on Worthen Road was received from the guy wire 111 New England Telephone and Telegraph Company several locations weeks ago and held up for more detailed information. Mrs. Morey asked if the proposed poles would be on the left-hand side of the road and Mr. Gayer re- plied that they will be on the right-hand side. Mr. Gayer explained that if the poles are set on the right-hand side it will be necessary to set another pole and still have the guys. Mrs. Morey said it would seem to her that the poles should be where they are the least conspicuous. Mr. Gayer said that it would not make any dif- ference from the school, but it will make a difference from Waltham Street. Mrs. Morey std that she has observed that pole are not always placed from am aesthetic viewpoint. Mr. Mahon said that the poles are on private pro- perty, Town property, and that is the reason for this type of petition. He asked if the locations as selected were agreeable. The Chairman said that, if he was correct, even if these first three poles were moved to the other side of the road, number four would still have to be in the same place. Mrs. Morey said that would be better looking, and she does not like telephone poles running through empty land. Mr. Mahon explained that the telephone company is trying to bring down Baskin Road and if they come on this side, which he indicated on the plan, they have an open area in which to make a turn, he said he could see no reason why the poles could not be replotted with a view to bring the line down on the other side. He said he would take the matter up with the telephone company, meet with their engineer on the field and see what can be worked out. The Chairman said that would be fine and asked how soon the Board could expect an answer. Mr. Mahon replied that it would not be sooner than next Monday. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Mahon discuss the subject with the telephone company and if they think the Board's recommendation is possible, it can be ap- proved. If for some reason they .say it is not possible, the Board may then approve this method. Mr. Mahon retired at 7:145 P.M. and took the peti- tion with him. Mr. Gayer reported that, in reference to the con- Eldred struction of Eldred Street, the people do understand Street that betterments are to be charged. He said he could Chapter 718 proceed on that and then it would be in order to use Chapter 718 funds elsewhere. He explained that the State wants to know what the Board has in mind and asked if he could now at least report that these funds will not be used for Eldred Street. 131 Mr. Stevens explained that betterments would be assessed against Soule and betterments would be assessed against Witherell but payment postponed under the Special Act. The Chairman reported that he had written a letter to the Associate Commissioner, State Department of Public Works, summarizing the points agreed upon at the meeting held on November 7th. The Board adjourned to Estabrook Hall to attend a public hearing scheduled by the Board relative to the petition of the Boston and Maine Railroad for ap- proval by the Department of Public Utilities of the discontinuance of trains between Boston and Bedford. Hearing re The hearing was declared open by the Chairman curtailment at 8:07 P.M. He said he had hoped there would be of train more people in attendance and explained that the service meeting was being held to discuss the changes in the railroad service proposed by the Boston and Maine Railroad. He said that a public hearing will be held December 3, 1.4. and 5 at the Gardner Auditorium, State House. That hearing is to discuss all changes being proposed by the Railroad and not just the change on the Lexington branch. He reported that the Board has filed a petition with the Department of Public Utilities for a seperate hearing on the Lexington branch because it feels that the Lexington branch is a problem itself and does not necessarily coincide with those in the other cities and towns. The Chairman explained that the Boston and Maine Railroad proposes to eliminate one morning train and one evening train and to leave one morning train and one evening train to serve this branch. The remain- ing train in the morning will leave Bedford at 7:30, leave Lexington at 7:40 and arrive in Boston at .8:04. The evening train will leave Boston at 5:22, arrive in Lexington at 5:46 and arrive in Bedford at 5:55. He said that some people now using the railroad will be .affected by the change in schedule, if nothing more, to such an extent that they will have to find other means of transportation. He said it is obvious to him that the step proposed by the railroad is another step in the program to eliminate passenger service on this line. He said the Selectmen and the Town Counsel would represent the Town at the hearing in the State House and present the attitude of the Town. He said in order to do this fairly and represent the feelings of the whole Town, the Board must know the attitude of the people that use the train and that is the reason for the hearing this evening. He said the Board would record the expressions and be provided with more ammunition to serve the people at the hearing. 12 z Mr. Charles Albert Barrett, Jr. , 1299 Massachusetts Avenue, said that he is very strongly opposed to any changes in the passenger service on the Boston and Maine Railroad because he depends on the two evening trains and would like the service kept as it is indefinitely. He said it would be inconvenient if these trains were taken off because he works neer the North Station. He does not drive a car and opposed any curtailment of service whatever. Mr. Franklin H. Howell, 108 Woburn Street, said he wondered, assuming that the railroad is given permission to discontinue commuter service , if it would be feasible for the railroad to run a single unit Bud Line from Bed- ford to Boston to arrive in Boston the same time the second train does at 8:31 in the morning, also having an evening train leaving Boston the same time as the S:48. He asked if the volume of passenger traffic would be enough so that the railroad could operate the train at a reasonably profitable degree. He said that he does not own or drive a car and depends on the trains. He would be forced to take the bus and M.T.A. which is three• changes from his house to his final destination. The Chairman asked if he meant the Bud Line would replace the train now to be removed. Mr. Howell said that in the• pamphlet given out, the railroad intends to substitute Bud Liner equipment. An individual, who did nbt give his name, asked if any thought had been given to splitting the time between the two trains. The Chairman said he could not answer that as all the Board knows is the schedule that has been proposed. He said one thing to find out is first, if the schedule is approved, how many people now using the train could not use it because it would arrive either too early or too late. Mr. Wilber M. Jaquith, 42 Somerset Road, said that he has lived in Lexington about ten years. One of the things he did before he came was to check on the train service . At that time , there were four trains. One train was dropped and then another train was dropped. Now the people are faced with dropping the third train. He said he felt that within a year there will be no trains but the Boston and Mahn will want to use a freight line. He said he would be of no advantage to the Town to have a railroad just for bringing revenue into the Boston and Maine. He said if they want to continue to run freight, they should provide reason- able commuter service. He said, however, that he thought the railroad has something to be said on its side . It is not 100% in favor of the commuters, and, according to the railroad, they are losing money. He has not seen any figures proving the amount of money it is losing. 133 He 'said he thought it was up to the railroad to show where it is losing money and why. He said he endorsed the Board's suggestion that Lexington have a seperate hearing on the Lexington branch because it might turn out they are not losing money on the Lexington branch. He said all these facts have to be brought before the Commission if the Commission is to decide in Lexington' s favor. He asked what the railroad proposed in lieu of service for Lexington. He said that there is nothing at the moment that will solve the problem. Taking more ears into Boston will put more traffic on the roads and result in spending more money for roads and high- ways. He said the M.T.A. is not the volution and the people of Lexington do not want the M.T.A. He said there is no bus line direct from the Town to Boston and asked if the Corn iek would issue permits for a private bus line either for public or private transportation. He stated that there must be some solution and the Com- mission should be requested to suggest a solution if it approves the petition of the Boston and Maine. Mr. Jaquith said he thought the commuters should consider what they are going to do if this train is taken off. They are all faced with the same problem and are the ones who have the problem. He said the Selectmen could go to the hearing, and talk but if they are not backed up by the commuters, the Commission will not have a great deal to go on. As commuters, he thought they might be of some assistance to the Board in getting the facts before the Commission. He said that would require work on someone 's part and he thought it was upto the commuters. A woman who did not give her name said that she does not live in Lexington but arrived on the Lexington branch train. She said she had figures that say 970 people take the train from Cambridge to Bedford every day and this is being considered by the Selectmen in Arlington this evening at a private meeting. She said the line carries a lot of freight and the people in Arlington do not think they should be permitted the freight unless there is passenger service too. The Chairman askedihere she obtained her figures and she replied from the Conductor, taken daily, both trains in the morning and the two in the evening. She said there are 970 paid fares a day. The Chairman asked if that included Arlington people, and she replied in the affirmative. Mr. Barrett said that he thought when the fares were raised last Spring the trains lost a lot of passengers. He said if the fares were dropped more people would ride on the train and not drive their ears. Mr. Lewis M. Reynolds, 7 Eaton Road, said he would 1.71 134 x like to go on record as being opposed to this change. He said he rides every day in the week and will miss the last train. He said he would not consider a fare increase. His fare is about 45g to North Lexington and it costs 40¢ by subway. To increase the fare would drop the patronage. Mr. Francis T. Rice, 65 Blake Road, asked the Chairman is he thought if the commuters get together and made a concerted effort to put before this Com- mission it would carry more weight, if the railroad comes to the decision they are going to take this train off anyway. The Chairman said he could not answer that. Mr. Rice said that Pearlman, in one statement, thought the communities should take over the commuting service. The Boston and Ohio railroad has asked the commission to let them take off twelve trains because their passenger service dropped over 46%. He said he wondered how much the commuters could do to get the Commission to keep this second train on. He said the schedule shortens it up at night and lengthens it in the morning. He explained that it is difficult to leave an office at 5:00 and get a train twenty-two minutes after. He said he supposed the schedule is to fit the crew workday, as they don't want to pay them for more than eight hours. Mrs. Roy B. Maynard, 6 Grove Street, said they took a petition on the train last June and obtained over 500 names. That was submitted to the D.P.U. She said she would like to know if the men on the train aren't trans- ferred to other trains after they leave these, The Chairman said that 3:t has been difficult to get the railroad's Figures. Mrs. Maynard said she knew that. She said she was interested in Arlington because she gets on and off there. She said she would like to know why the ticket man's salary is all charged to the passenger service as he does not spend much time selling passenger's tickets. One individual asked about the rent from the Stations and asked if it went to the railroad. He asked if that income was given to freight and not passenger train ser- vice. Mrs. Maynard asked if she could obtain a stockholder's report. The Chairman explained that any stockholder has one. Mr. Barrett said if the second train is taken off, it will mean people getting in before nine and they would be too early. He said if they miss that train, they will have to go a roundabout way to get to Bosto#. He said the two trains are needed for the benefit of everyone. Mr. Jaquith said that there is quite a bit that could be done in getting facts about Lexington com- muters. 1(35 He said he does not know how many there are, how many take the trains or how many would be stuck without the trains. He said he was wondering if it is worth considering having the Selectmen appoint a committee of commuters to work on this or for the commuters themselves to organize a group to get some facts and work with`the Selectmen on this, so when they go to the hear- ing, they will be able to present Lexington's case backed up by facts. The Chairman said the Board would like very much to have information of that kind and asked if Mr. Jaquith would like to organize a committee of commuters. Mr. Jaquith said he would see what he could do but would like a suggestion as to how many should be on the committee. One individual said it was unfortunate that there was not more publicity given the subject and another individual said he could give the Board a count. The Chairman said that as long as Mr. Jaquith will Chairman the Committee, he should receive such infor- mation at the moment. He asked if there was anyone who would like to help Mr. Jaquith. Mr. Jaquith said he had in mind a questionaire which would be a factual setup with a number of questions ' to be answered that would be based on each train. The committee could then go on from there. Mr. Roger H. Stone, 8 Bertwell Road, said he has been riding this line for ten or fifteen years, and apparently all those people who got on. the first train this morning are not too disturbed. He said he would like very much to work with Mr. Jaquith and stated that it is up to the commuters to work on it. He said he talked to Mr. Adams a few weeks ago, and was assured that• there would be publicity. He said what they need to do is to get out and ring door bells if they are going to- save one train. He said he would like to see both trains continued, and perhaps the committee could do something to get a Bud Liner out here. He said one could not blame the railroad for wanting to take off that second train as on November 11th, which he admit- ted was a holiday;, there were only four people on the train with a crew of five. Perhaps if the Railroad feels it cannot continue the two-car train, it may con- sider sending a Bud out and back again timed similar to the one in existence now. He said he was on record as being opposed to the removal of the second train and would work with the committee to try and sell the commuter's cause. Mrs. Stillman P. William 9 Sheridan Street, asked about the responsibility of public utility companies. Mr. Stevens explained it always has been the re- sponsibility of any public utility company to furnish service. 136 me He stated that the railroad company, according to them, have reached the point where they can't continue service because of the loss incurred, and unless the State or public body can furnish funds, they will have to curtail service. He said that, in a nutshell, is their position. He said the freight earnings in this branch should come into the picture, but they are losing out of pocket on the passenger trains on the Lexington branch. He said the freight figures have never been disclosed and at thelest hearing, the D.P.U. refuse&/t require to be furnished. One individual asked if the railroad was trying to force public subsistence and the Chairman replied that any answer he would give would be an opinion. The Chairman said if there were no more comments to be made perhaps there could be a showing of hands of those in favor of the petition. No ono present raised his hand in favor. The Chairman asked for a showing of hands of those who opposed the petition. There were twenty- four people present and twenty-four people opposed. Mr. Rice asked if there would be any objection# in advertising a meeting and said if they go before the Commission with twenty-four people and 900 riders, it will not make very good ammunition. He said they have a little over two weeks to have another meeting and get more people out. He said he mentioned this meeting to several people on the train and they did not know about it. The Chairman suggested that perhaps the commuters ' committee might hold a meeting and have it publicized. He said the Board could arrange for space for such a meeting. The Chairman explained that the hearings start, as now scheduled, on December 3rd. The Selectmen have had no reply to their petition for a separate hearing, so as far as they know, it will be the 3rd, 14th and 5th of December. One individual said a point to be considered at the hearing is the parking problem is East Lexington. The Chairman said that there is parking space, heat and lights; all factors which the Board will bring out. The hearing adjourned at 8:15 P.M. at which UM* the Board returned to the Selectmen's Room to continue its regular meeting. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Fire Commissioners advising that, in reply to the Board's request to use the East Lexington station for voting and storage of the voting machines, the Commission is happy to comply with the request and will be ready to help out any time the machines are taken down. 137 The Chairman reported that he has not been able Voting to discuss this subject with the School Committee yet. The Chairman recalled that the Board had received a letter from the Massachusetts Conservation Council re legislation passed for the establishment of a con- servation committee by various cities and towns. The communication was referred to the Planning Board. A letter was received from the Planning Board Conservation advising that in the opinion of the Board the Act Council is not particularly applicable to Lexington. The development of the natural resources of the Town has been given considerable study by the Board in the preparation of a long-range development plan. Some recommendations tor the development of these resources have already been made and others will be included in the near future. Mr. Stevens said that at the meeting last week with the Standing School Building Committee, it was decided legislation should be sought for renovation Legislation of the Junior High School. He said he thought the Board should sign any petition for legislation by next Monday and he wanted to run through a draft II to get the Board's views. Following that he will put it in final form. He explained that he has gievn the committee a copy of the draft and will send a copy to the Appropriation Committee. The Board recommended no changes in the pro- posed draft, with the exception of the period of borrowing. Mr. Stevens also read a draft of proposed legis- lation relative to the Historic Districts Commission. Mr. Stevens reported that the hearing was held today on the Woburn Street grade crossing. If the petition is granted, the railroad will take away the shack and trim up the shrubs oh both sides. If they can do what they propose without gates, it will save $4,000 a year. He explained that there will be twenty-four hour a day protection with Stop aid Protect. He agreed to advise Mrs. Levis of the situation. Mr. Stevens retired at 9:40 P.M. Application was received from the Secretary of State for Certificate of Incorporation on behalf of John Silk, 19 Patriots Drive. Cert. of The Chairman read a letter from Chief Rycroft Inc. giving a record on .filenwit}} t}ab'?Bbardo*f Probation , dating from June 1, 1927 to November 23, 1951. 133 It was unanimously agreed to insert after the words "and report the following facts" the words "see record attached" and attach a copy of Chief Rycroft 's letter. Application was received from the Secretary of State for a Certificate of Incorporation on behalf of David F1, Sgykes, 39 Greenwood Street. A satis- Cert, of factory character reference was received from the Inc. Chief of Police. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to sign the certificate. Further consideration was given to Mr. Paul Lloyd's offer of $500 for lots 228 through 233s Freemont Street. A proposal to sell was advertised in the November 7, 1957 issue of the Lexington Minute-man. A letter was also received from Philip J. Knox, Jr., 18 Greenwood Street, offering $550 for the same lots. On January 22, 1957, Mr. Knox had submitted an Tax title offerer $300. The offer was acknowledged and Mr. Knox lots advised that the Board would include it in a list of tax title offers to be decided .upon some time in the last Spring or early Summer of 1957. However, when the Board viewedthe property, Mr. Knox'6 offer was not given to them. Mrs. Morey said if these lots are sold, they should be restricted to the erection of one house and she also felt that the Board should know who owns lots 225 and 226. According to the Assessors ' records, Mr. Knox owns 227. She further suggested that disposition of the lots be discussed with the Planning Board. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Edwin A. Wheeler, 221 Charles Street, Waltham, advising that he will pay the price of $200 plus sewer betterment of $113.36, entertained by the Board for lot 19, Block 18, Reed Tax title Street. Mr. Wheeler now owns lots 20 and 21, Block 18, lots Reed Street. A Mr. Donald Gibbs , 41 Wamsutta Avenue, Waltham, also submitted an offer of $150 for the same two lots. It was agreed to advise Mr. Gibbs that it 1.s the intention of the Board to sell the lots to the abut- ting owner and to advise Mr. Wheeler that lots 19, 20 and 21 will be restricted to the erection of one house. The Clerk was instructed to bring in a plan so the Board would know definitely the size of the lots in question. 139 The Chairman read a letter from Norman T. May, advising that Mr. Onel Deflice is willing to pay $200 each for lots 1 and 2, Block 29, Reed Street, plus a sewer betterment of $175. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Reed, Tax title it was voted that a proposal to sell the lots be ad- lots vertiaed in the Lexington Minute-man and that further consideration be given the offer in two weeks. A detailed estimate of $234 for printing 500 copies of the General By-Laws was received from Spaulding-Moss. By-Laws Upon motion of Mr. need, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to authorize Spaulding-Moss to print 500 copies of the General By-Laws. The Chairman reported that he met with Superin- tendent Smith, Mrs. Marek, Mr. Fisher and Mr. Erickson Saturday morning and went over the Barnes property. Mr. Smith now says he will need only 2300 square feet of space by 1967. Mr. Smith would like space in the main part of the building and Mr. Erickson estimates it will cost $10,000 to make the building suitable. The Planning Board, Welfare Department and Cemetery Commissioners are not part of that space. Barnes The Chairman said that the Wel $ $ and Cemetery property Departments are going to move over/nut the Board still has to find a place for the Planning Board. He said he thought the basement of this building would be adequate. Mr. Maloney said there would have to be some alter- ations and by such an arrangement all Town Departments would then be in the two buildings. Mrs. Morey asked if there was any reason why the Cemetery Commissioners go along with the We]tkre . She said there is a conference room in the new building that the Cemetery Commissioners could use. She said the Planning Board does have a number of plans and could use the vault in the Police Department; the Wel- fare and Cemetery Commissioners could have a seperate entrance and the Planning Board would have a seperate entrance. The Chairman said that the Board would have to ask the Boy Scouts to constrict the area in which they are working or by fixing up a part of the wing which is being used by the Red Feather they would have room. He said, however, by doing that, the heating system will need some work done on it. Mr. Maloney asked if the Board was ready for the School Department to take over the building; if so, say 8s so. Mrs. Morey said she thought the Board should tall the Boy Scouts they are there on a temporary basis and 140 1-6 should be looking for other quarters. The Chairman explained that this is something that would take place about next June. If they renovate the third floor and renovate the first floor to take care of the Superintendent 's office, they will spend $38,000. It will cost about $5,000 to refurbish the same area for three classrooms and according to Mr. Erickson, it will cost $10,000 to fix the Barnes property, so by their figures the Town will be saving 20,000 by this move. The Meeting adjourned at 10:40 P.M. A true record, Attest: 5elec en • I 1