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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-09-23-BOS-min I 1 SELECTMEN'S MEETING September 23, 1957 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, September 23, 1957 at 7:30 P.M. Chair- man James, Messrs. Reed and Maloney and Mrs. Morey were present. Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk were also present . Mr. Bertram P. Gustin, Chairman of the Town Celebrations Committee and a Mr. Crawford met with the Board. Mr. Guttin said that he brought forth a request from the Celebrations Committee, which he thought came from the Council of Churches, as to whether the Celebrations Committee should have charge of the Thanks- giving service. The Board asked him to investigate the Catholic and Jewish groups to see if they would participate. He said that they have advised that they would be happy to participate in any way. The Chairman asked how the Council of Churches felt about bringing in all the groups and Mr. Crawford replied that is the desire of the Council. The Chairman asked if it would be the thought of the Council that this should be a function arranged, sponsored and executed by the Celebrations Committee. Mr. Crawford replied that in order to have every- Thanks- one participate it would have to be that way. giving The Chairman asked if the Town Celebrations services Committee would be willing to undertake this and Mr. Gustin replied that the Committee would be happy to enlarge its scope . He said he would rather use the term coordinate than the term sponsor. He stated that the Committee could bring the groups in and act as Moderator so to speak. Mrs. Morey asked if the services would be held in Cary Hall and Mr. Gustin replied that is something that would develop. Mr. Crawford said it would have to be in Cary Hall to make it on common ground. Mr. Gostin said if it is successful and properly done , Cary Hall would not be large enough. Mrs . Morey asked if the services would be on Thanks- giving day and Mr. Gustin replied that it has been on a weekday night. Mr. Crawford said he thought it was on Sunday the last time . 12 mc Mr. Gustin said that would be something to be developed, and not a question that can be answered unless the Board directs . Mr. Maloney pointed out that Thanksgiving morning is usually taken up with the football game . Mr. James said that he believed the services were held on Sunday and one reason was because there is so much preparation that it took all day Saturday and it is difficult to make preparations during the week. He said he thought, as far as the Board is con- cerned, it did not make much difference and whatever suits the groups will be best. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to authorize the Town Celebrations Committee to arrange, coordinate and execute appropriate services for the observance of Thanksgiving Day, 1957. Messrs . Gustin and Crawford retired at 7:35 P.M. Hearing was declared open upon the application of the Public Works Department for permission to maintain one underground tank for the storage of 4,000 gallons Gasoline of fuel oil at 201 Bedford Street. hearing Notice of the hearing was inserted in the September 12, 1957 issue of the Lexington Minute-man and abutters notified. The application was approved on September 6, 1957 by B. J. Belcastro, Deputy Chief of the Fire Department. No persons appeared in opposition. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney , it was voted to approve the application and grant a license to the Lexington Department of Public Works to maintain one undergnund tank for the storage of 4,000 gallons of fuel oil on the premises located at 201 Bedford Street. Mr. Stevens , Town Counsel, arrived at the meeting at 7:38 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Stevens in re acquisition of land for the new Junior High School. Land for He recommended that Mr. Gayer prepare a plan showing Junior the land owned by Gray, together with the portions of High the Ives and Millican parcels. He again suggested School that the terminus of the proposed or possible driveway into the school at or near the intersection of Hancock and Burlington Streets be fixed and the road then projected into the main parcel. It is Mr. Stedens ' thought that as soon as the plan has been prepared and approved by the Board and by the School Building Committee that Mr. Ives and Mr. Millican be nd,tified what the town proposes to take and then have the Board adopt an order taking those two portions together with the Gray parcel. The Chairman read a letter from the Outdoor Advertising Authority stating that a public hearing will be held on application #40580, John Donnelly & Outdoor Sons for sign at 93-97 Massachusetts Avenue, in Room Advertising 355, 80 Boylston Street, Boston, on Friday, September Authority 27th at 10:00 A.M. hearing Mr. Stevens said that he would attend the hearing and register the Town as being in opposition. He said he would like to have Mr. Maloney and Mr. Ferguson attend. At 8:20 P.M. Mr. R. F. Boudreau met with the Board relative to a sewer betterment assessment in the amount of 4389.33 levied against lot 4, Lowell Street . Mr. Boudreau explained that he owns a couple of lots on Lowell Street and is building a house on one of them. He purchased two lots intending to build a house on one for himself and the other had a brook going through the middle of it. Now there is a sewer in there. He said he planned to put a septic tank in front. He asked if he could hold up payment of the Sewer betterment on Lot 4. He said he thought he could get Betterment a house on it eventually the way the brook in the Assessment rear has been piped in. He explained that he origin- ally purchased the lot because he was able to acquire it at a low price. He would like to defer pay- ment of the betterment until the lot is built upon or someone buys it. Mr. Gayer presented a sketch showing the lot in question and the brook. Mr. Boudreau said he purchased the lot for 41,000 knowing the brook was going through it and noW that the brook is enclosed it can perhaps be built upon. Mr. Reed pointed out that it was not a buildable lot until the sewer was installed. Mr. Boudreau said when he purchased the lot he did not intend to do anything with it. Mr. Reed said that it is now a buildable lot and Mr. Boudreau wants the betterment deferred. Mr. Boudreau said he wanted it deferred until some- one purchases the lot or it is built upon. The Chairman said that the Board would discuss it and see what can be done and let him know. Mr. Boudreau retired at 8:28 P.M. Mr. Stevens explained that the Chapter under which deferments are granted was not meant to apply to single house lots. izeJL i It was agreed to explain to Mr. Boudreau that if the betterment is deferred , the entire amount will become due and when the lot is sold, built upon or at the expiration of three years and the extension of time will terminate immediately if the facilities of the sewer main are used for the lot. Mr. and Mrs. John Levis and Mr. Cornelius Cronin met with the Board re the Boston & Maine Railroad - Woburn Street crossing. The Chairman said that Mr. Gayer had talked to the railroad representatives concerning the plan Woburn sub- mitted and asked him to explain it. Mr. Gayer showed the plan to the group and Street explained *hat is to come out indicated in red crossing and what is to be installed indicated in yellow. He said he asked the railroad representatives what happens when there is a power failure and they said they have a system with batteries that are tested periodically and the signals can be operated by battery for a certain number of hours. The Chairman asked how many units would have bells and Mr. Gayer replied that he did not know. Mrs . Levis said that Mr. Hill, representing the railroad, told her there would be two bells. Mr. Cronin said that, according to the plan, it looks as if there will be five posts when actually they could have had only three. Mr. Gayer said that the existing building and gates will be taken away. He reported that the rail- road representatives said the only place the company installs automatic gates is where there is more than one track. They are not installed for a single track. Mr. Levis said he was interested in Hayes Lane. The Chairman explained that the Board, inasmuch as it will be xpresented at the D.P.U. hearing, wants to know that the people in the neighborhood are satis- fied with the proposed installation. Mr. Levis said that he could not speak for all the people who signed the petition, but he would prefer the automatic es and will remain on record as preferring them but/thgfe on it is out of the people 's hands. The Chairman said that the Board must represent the people of Lexington at this hearing. Mrs. Levis asked how the Board felt and the Chair- man replied that no decision has been made . He explained that the Board wanted to be sure it had the opinions of those most concerned. Mrs . Levis said that one of the women said she would like to see the gates, but if it is a question of the lights and gates, she would prefer the gates. A woman on Vine Street and one on Manley CourtY roaouid 15 rather have the present gates than the automatic lights. The Chairman asked if they had seen the plan and Mrs . Levis replied in the negative . She said several people on Hayes Lane have seen this plan. The Chairman asked if those people who had seen this plan feel it is better than the manual gates and Mrs . Levis replied in the affirmative. Mr. Cronin asked if the plan had been approved by the Department of Public Utilities and qtr. Stevens ex- plained that is the purpose of the hearing, to request permission to do this . Mr. Cronin asked if gates were not installed un- less there is traffic on a two-lane track. Mr. Gayer replied that he was told that they never install gates unless there are two or more main tracks. Mr. Stevens explained the reason they use auto- matic gates is to put a physical barrier so a person won't be mislead by the fact that a train went by when there might be another train coming. On a small amount of traffic with only a single line, they don't think it is necessary. The group retired at 8 50 P.M. The Chairman said his personal feeling is that he is in favor of the proposed installation. Mr. Reed said he was in favor. Mr. Stevens said a check should be made to see if the installation is to be as it is shown on the plan. If it is the same, then he can say that the Board of Selectmen is not opposed to the proposed in- stallation, but some of the people are in favor of automatic gates. The Chairman asked Mr. Gayer to attend the hear- ing and to assure himself that the plan proposed at the hearing is the same as the one the Board had this evening. Mr. Stevens retired at 9 00 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the County Com- missioners advising that a meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 25th at 10 00 A.M. for discussion of matters pertaining to public roads for 1958. ' Chapter Mr. Gayer recommended continuation of the widen- 90 ing of Concord Avenue possibly to Waltham Street. The Chairman mentioned including Burlington Street and Mr. Gayer said that at one time he had asked if the Board wanted to initiate the layout of Burlington Street but it was the opinion of Mr. Stevens , and the Board, that the initiation should come from the property owners because of the takings. 1� The Chairman explained that he was referring to the part between Hancock Street and Preston Road to Simonds Road. Mr. Gayer said he was guessing that Concord Avenue will cost $60,000 and $65,000 and he felt an effort should be made to get it done. It was agreed to carry along Concord Avenue. The Chairman read a letter from Fay Kenny asking the Town to replace a garbage container that the collector threw away. Complaint Mr. Gayer explained that he has not had an opportunity to check into this complaint but Cliffe, one of the better collectors, reported to Miss Kenny that the pail was full of holes and he asked her several times to get another container. She did not comply so he tossed the container with the holes in the truck. Mr. Gayer said he would talk directly to the collector and obtain a statement from him. The Chairman said that, regardless of the con- dition of the container, he did not think the collector should have taken it. He asked Mr. Gayer to find out more about the incident and report to the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Maurice White , 770 Waltham Street complaining about a leak in his water meter which he claims has been leaking for about a year. He stated that he has reported the leak Complaint several times but has had no success in getting it re water fixed. leak Mr. Gayer reported that last November he re- ceived a letter from Mr. White and he personally went to the house. Mrs . White gave him permission to go into the basement but he could not find a leak. He explained that he has issued four or five work orders but each time the men have gone down, they have not found any leak. Mr. Moloy went down today and found soma moisture on the meter and tightened the packing nut gland on it hoping it would take care of the situation. The Chairman read a letter from Edward V. Jones, M.D. , 32 Locust Avenue, requesting installation of a Sidewalk sidewalk in front of his property. Mr. Gayer reported that an estimate of the cost was mailed to Dr. Jones today for his signature . Street for Petition was received from Robert J. Conley, 1958 Budget 7 Theresa Avenue , et al, requesting acceptance of the avenue from Cliffe Avenue to Bow Street. 17 This is an item to be considered in the 1958 budget. The Chairman read a letter from E. R. Stock- dale, 6 School Street requesting reimbursement of $35.00 which he paid Mr. Paul Mazerall for removing a tree. He stated his neighbor had a tree removed by the Town free of charge. Letter was received from Mr. Gayer explaining Tree that the tree Mr. Mazerall took down was an elm tree removal but had been dead so long it could no longer help spread the Dutch Elm Disease . Mr. Mazerall told him that, Mr. Stockdale requested its removal because he was afraid it would blow over onto his garage during a storm. The Chairman read a letter from A. Clifford Fletcher stating that when he applied for a building permit for 112 Spring Street he was told that a per- colation test was not necessary because sewer was available . Later when he requested an estimate of the cost for water and sewer he was informed that the sewer is not available. Sewer Mr. Gayer presented a sketch and explained to the 112 Spring Board the location of the house and sewer and said Street that there is fourteen feet of ledge on the other side of the manhole. Letter was received from Mr. Lurvey, Executive $ealth Officer advising that he had never been ques- tioned or notified by anyone in regard to a percolation test on 112 Spring Street and furthermore he has never had any contact with anyone regarding this lot. Mr. Reed asked if the lot could be serviced by a septic tank and Mr. Gayer said he doubted it. Mr. Reed asked what advantage there would be in extending the sewer and Mr. Gayer replied that he did not know. Mr. Gayer said that in the future all applicants for building permits will be required to inquire at the Engineering Department to determine whether or not sewer and water is available . The Chairman said that Mr. Fleteher's only re- course is to petition for a sewer system under the Betterment Act. He requested Mr. Gayer to ask Mr. Lurvey to check the lot. If it proves impossible to service by a septic tank, the Board will advise Mr. Fletcher to petition for a sewer. Letter was received from the Mystic Valley Gas Company requesting permission to locate a 4" steel Gas main high-pressure gas main in Adams Street to supply 18 1.1 gas to three new houses under construction. Yr. Gayer recommended that the request be denied until such time as the gas company submits a more definite plan. He explained that the plan accompanyingthe letter does not show anything and he will write a letter to that effect. No action was taken on the request. Mrs. Morey said that she thought the Board should authorize Mr. Gayer to explain to the School Committee just where the utilities in the Corrigan development are to be located so that the Committee will be in- formed. Mr. Gayer retired at 9:45 P.M. Mr. Gorden Steele met with the Board. Mr. Steele explained that he was present as a School Committeenember. He presented a sketch showing the Senior High School and the new wing. He explained they propose a skating area and a hockey rink to make a skating area available for the child- ren and to make a rink for the hockey team to practice on. He said they hope to get the job done as cheaply as possible. They have talked to several contractors who do this type of work and received all kinds of Skating proposals . They finally reduced the number to two rink at companies, one in Concord and one in Lexington and it High so happened that they both came up with the same offer. School He said it is an $8,000 job and whatever is realized for selling the loam will be credited to the Town. They suggested to these people that the Committee was interested in getting the excavation done and have the natural bend there to cost as little as possible . Then a local company and a Concord company came up with the same thing. They will clear the area, retain the front- age of trees, remove the trees and stumps on am exchange basis . They would have 5,000 cubic yards of peat loam in there for the work of clearing, etc. Mr. Steele reported that the School Committee is in favor of it and has -had somewhat of en opinion from Town Counsel but plan to get a more detailed opinion. The Committee felt it wanted the Selectmen to express an opinion and if they do exchange the fill fOr the work it will be a good deal for the Town costing nothing. He said the Town is interested in taking some of and can pay $2.00 a cubic yard for it. Mrs. Morey asked if the material to be removed was good loam and Mr. Steele replied that it is peat loam. The Chairman asked what kind of an offer was re- 1.9 ' ceived which would include excavating, cleaning up and leaving the loam for the Town. Mr. Steele replied that one man said he should get $8,000 for the job. He would sell the loam. He said that Morrow Construction Company in Concord will do it on an even exchange basis. He said that Chesterbrook Company said the same thing. The Chairman said before he makes up his mind he would like to hear what Town Counsel has to say be- cause there is a by-law about removal of soil from the Town. Mr. Steele said that Town Counsel did give an opinion and said the Committee should offer it to the Town if it can be purchased for a price- no greater than the Town is paying now. The Chairman said he would like to have Mr. Stevens ' approval before he makes up his mind. Mr. Steele asked if it was all right to say the Selectmen were in favor if Town Counsel approves . The Chairman said if Mr. Stevens gives his approval from a legal standpoint, he felt there was nothing wrong. Mr. Maloney said that there should be a contract prepared by Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Steele agreed. The Chairman asked if this would be under the con- trol of the School Committee or the Recreation Committee. Mrs. Morey said she felt it should be directly under the supervision of the School Committee, and Mr. Steele agreed. Mr. Steele retired at 10:00 P.M. Mr. Samuel P. Snow, Planning Director, met with the Board. He reported that he went into the State Depart- ment of Public Works today. A Mr. Patts, member of the Right of Way Division of the Department of Public Works, came to his office with a plan of Route 2 which was in more detail than the one presented at the public hearing. He was disturbed about building permits being issued in various places and Mr. Snow told him that Route 2 Lexington had no idea where the road was going to be. Mr. Snow said that, in asking questions, he found out that the State has the money to have the plan drawn in detail and filed before the first of January. It will be drawn on a 40 ' scale, and when it goes on record, that is it. Mr. Snow said he hoped some consideration would be given to the work done in Lexington, and the Planning Board hoped to discuss it with the Selectmen in the near future . Mr. Snow told him what he thought should be done , and asked for a conference today and talked lb Mr. Whitcomb and showed him Lexington's 20 plan. He said as far as the State is concerned the Town's plan is a pipe dream because there are no roads in existence, Mr. Snow said Lexington has been talk- ing about Worthen Road for three or four years and Mr. Snow said he was now satisfied in his own mind that it is justified. Mr. Whitcomb said they would not give Lexington an access for When Road on Route 2. If Worthen Road goes to Waltham Street, the Town will have an access. There will be a cloverleaf at Waltham Street, makinginterchange and said the shopping center was to be determined and if the Town did not vote it, there was no necessity for having an interchange They are considering a full cloverleaf at Spring Street. Mr. Snow said he was talking to Mr. Grindle and he thought the Planning Board should discuss the entire subject with the Selectmen as soon as possible . Mr. Maloney said that the Additional Town Office Building Committee was meeting tomorrow night at eight o'clock and suggested a meeting of the Selectmen and Planning Board at nine o'clock. Mr. Snow retired at 10:15 P.M. Police The Chairman read a letter from Mr. R. M. Dept. Coquillette commending the Lexington Police De- partment for performance in recovering his stolen car. It was agreed to send a copy of the letter to the Police Department. Another letter was received from John F. MacNeil Insurance with reference to insurance savings and advantages he has to offer the Town. The Chairman agreed to call Mr. MacNeil. The Chairman read a letter frpm David W. Walsh, 9 Alpine Street with reference to tax title lots Tax title 263-265 which the Board voted to sell and convey to him. Mr. Walsh withdrew his offer due to the attitude of the Board with respect to lots on Colonial Avenue and Alpine Street. Notice was received from the Department of Public Utilities relative to a hearing to be held on October Hearing 23rd re Boston rates and charges. The Clerk was instructed to pace the item ofi the agenda for some meeting prior to the hearing. Signs Letter was received from Mr. Burr Cullom, Nash- ville , Tennessee, advising that on a recent visit to Lexington he encountered difficulty in signs point- f- a total of four. Mr. Snow asked about the Spring Street 21 ' ing to Concord and felt that the direction markers in Lexington are inadequate . Application was received from the Lexington License Cab Company for an additional public carriage license. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to grant the license, Mrs . Morey reported that the suggestion had been, made that the Board call General Morgan'a office at the Base and put out a call for Scout Troop Leaders . She decided to call Sachem Council Scout and inquire as to what is being done about Scout Troop Leaders. Two years ago they did put out a call. Leaders This was a case of an individual Colonel in Town feeling there were boys who would do it and he wanted the Selectmen to put out the call. She said she thought it would be better to have Sachem Council handle it, and the Board agreed. The Chairman reported that he received a ques- tionaire from Sherwin Williams re Joseph Belcaaro who has applied for a position of manager. The Board authorized the Chairman to complete the questionaire and return it. The Meeting adjourned at 10:10 P.M. A true record, Attest: ec iv lerk Selectien