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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-07-22-BOS-min 531 SELECTMEN'S MEETING July 22, 1957 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, July 22, 1957 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman James, Messrs. Reed, Maloney, Tucker and Mrs. Morey were present. Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk were also present. Mrs. Morey suggested that the Board request Mr. Adams to write something in the Minute-man instructing Garbage householders to place corn husks in the paper bags in which the corn came and set the bags by their garbage recepticles. Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Company, met with the Board, and referred to eleven poles on Bartlett Avenue, for which the company had previously obtained tights on a private way. It now desires to validate the poles now being on a public way. He Pole said he would then come in to relocate a pole Mr. Gayer locations wants moved. The Chairman asked if the pole could be moved and the petition come later. He said the Board would like the pole moved as rapidly as possible and there won't be another meeting for two weeks. Mr. Mahon said, being a public way, he should petition, but if the Board wanted him to he would con- tact Mr. Donahue, make his peace with him, and if the location the company chooses is acceptable to him, it will be moved and petitioned for later. The Chairman explained that such procedure has been followed before. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the Order for the following go pole locations: Bartlett Avenue, northwesterly side, approximately 15 feet southwest of Lowell Street. Eleven poles. Hearing was declared open upon the petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for i/o pole on Slocum Road. Mr. Leo Porretti and Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Company, were present at the hearing. Mr. Mahon explained that the proposed pole is to serve a new home which, he believed, is owned by Mr. Porretti. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Tucker it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order Pole for the following 3/o pole location: location Slocum Road, southeasterly side, approxi- mately 325 feet northeast of High- land Avenue. One pole. Mr. Porretti retired. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Com- pany ans the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for nine i/o poles guy wire and anchor on Ivan Street. Mr. Mahon explained that this is another situation where the poles are on a way which was private and is now public, and the petition is merely to validate the Pole locations. location Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order for the following pole, guy wire and anchor locations: Ivan Street, southwesterly side, southeasterly from a point approximately 10 feet south- east of Eldred Street. Nine poles. Guy wire and anchor oft the ninth pole. Mr. Mwhon retired. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, advising that he has arranged for settlement of the proceeding brought by Viano Properties, Inc. for Viano determination of the damages sustained when the Town took claim easements in two parcels of the corporation's land in con- settled nection with the laying out and construction of Worthen Road. The terms were that the corporation would give the Town a confirmatory deed of the easements and a release of all claims for damages in return for abatement of the betterments that were assessed on the property. I 533 Mr. Stevens has received and is holding the con- firmatory deed and damage release duly executed by the corporation. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Reed, Abatement it was voted to abate the sum of $8,261.00 on two parcels of land owned by Viano Properties, Inc. settlement of claim for damages. The Chairman read a letter from the State Depart- ment of Public Wanks, requesting the Board to sign three Chapter 90 copies of a contract dated July 2, 1957, between the constructiaC Town and J. J. Carroll Construction, for highway work Contract on Concord Avenue. Mr. Stevens reported that he has not received all thb easements. He hasn't yet straightened out with the Clough Corporation who purchased WCOP. He recommended that the Board sign the contract in triplicate but not return them to the State Department of Public Works. Mr. Gayer asked if Mr. Stevens would advise the State who the contracts are being held and he re- plied in the affirmative. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to sign the contracts, dated July 2, 1957, between the Town and J. J. Carroll Construction, for highway work on Concord Avenue. Mr. Stevens reported that it may be necessary to make a taking of the Esco Builders land, the new Esco Build. Junior High School Site. He said they were supposed ers land to pass papers today, but apparently Mr. Spagnuolo for Jr. did very little, if anything, about getting his bond. High He explained that tonight is the last night for the school Planning Board to act and the bond has not been filed but it is still possible for the Planning Board, two weeks from tonight, to rescind the vote tonight dis- approving the subdivision. He said it therefore may be necessary to meet next Monday night and adopt an Order of Taking. Mr. Harold Conant met with the Board and presented a plan of his lots on Lincoln Street opposite the dump. He pointed out a right of way for a public water main. Conant He said he may want to run his lots along side of the offers water main, but any time the Town had to manipulate the fill to water main it could be done without going into anyones Town yard. He said there is some good fill and•he would be 514 willing for the Town to take it and use it at the dump. He would not then have to pay for slicing the hill down. He explained the lots as recorded in 1938 and said he could make one lot out of lots one and two and he would have to see about lots three and four, possibly part of four going into the road. He pointed out a culvert and said that the water empties onto a lot and explained that with the roadway as shown, drainage could run down the roadway and empty into a catch basin. He said this is not something he intends to do right away, but only tentative, and wanted to see if the Selectmen wanted to go along with it. Be pointed to lots ten and eleven and said that the Town does not own the, entire standpipe reservation. Mr. Reed explained that Mr. Stevens is now checking that. Mr. Conant said that his deed reads "subject to any rights the Town of Lexington may have". He ex- Standpipe plained that the Town never received a deed for the reservation standpipe lot. He said the Lexington Water Company, from whom the Town purchased the land, got an Act of Legislature allowing a taking, but the Town forgot to get a deed. The Chairman said it seemed to him the first thing Mr. Conant would have to do is talk with the Planning Board and see what arrangement he can make regarding relotting. Mr. Reed said that the Town Engineer understands what Mr. Conant has in mind. Mr. Conant said he would see the Planning Board. The Chairman said after he had discussed the sub- ject with the Planning Board, the Selectmen would be pleased to talk with him again if he has any pro- blems. Mr. Conant retired at 8:05 P.M. Messrs. Foster and Viano, Lexington Chamber of Commerce, met with the Board. Yankee The Chairman explained that he had told the Home Board a little about his conversation with Mr. Viano. Coming The members were interested and wanted to hear more about the subject. Mr. Foster said that there is a group ih Boston known as the Yankee Home Coming Inc. He said that it is a group of some repute and they are proposing a big program. He explained that the Chamber of Commerce felt, since Lexington has a slogan of Let 1 535 V It Begin Here, it would be most fitting that Yankee Home Coming start in Lexington. He recalled that the Chamber of Commerce had a float in the 19th of April parade hamed the Yankee Home Coming of 1958. He said that the Chamber of Commerce feels there are many people in Lexington who have never been in any of the historical places in Lexington and also felt that the program of April 18th and 19th would spread the awareness of Lexington's heritage to many people who used to live here and moved away. He read a tentative program and explained that the theme of the parade would be tradition. They would like to have a reviewing stand for the Governors which would be followed by a reception and a Governor's ball. This they would like to hold in the Hayden recreation building. It is to be a town-wide program and they will invite presidents of the veterans organizations in Town at which time the Chamber will explain its ideas. Mrs. Morey explained that within the last year or two the Town established a Town by-law Committee, the Town Celebrations Committee, which has charge of the observance of the 19th of April. Mr. Foster said that was right and it is possible that the Chamber of Commerce could work in conjunction watt tgle Town Celebrations Committee. Mrs. Morey asked if the purpose of Yankee Home Coming was to stimulate resort activities and Mr. Foster replied that it is to get people back to New England. Mrs. Morey asked if it was a commercial venture and Mr. Foster replied in the affirmative. Mrs. Morey asked how the expenses would be met and Mr. Foster replied that there is only one phase that wpuld not be self-supporting and that is the parade. Mr. Reed explained that the Selectmen determine what days the Celebrations Committee is to plan for and the 19th of April is one of those days. He said this should all be cleared through that Committee and Mr. Gustin who is Chairman, would undoubtedly be very much in favor of the program. He said possibly the Committee would be responsible for the parade and the Chamber of Commerce carry on the other activities. Mrs. Morey said the Chamber of Commerce could submit its program to the Town Celebrations Committee who would have the privilege of approving it. Mr. Reed said he thought the Chamber of Commerce was correct in discussing the subject with the Board, and he personally had no objection, but thought the Town Celebrations Committee should be contacted im- mediately. Mr. Maloney asked if there would be an admission charge to the Governor's ball and Mr. Foster replied in the affirmative. Mr. Maloney asked if they hoped for a profit, and Mr. Foster said that they have made some overtures to Guy Lombardo who will be in New England at the time. He said it is intended to charge $20 per couple. Mrs. Morey asked why they had in mind the Hayden Building rather than Cary Hall which is the Town Center. Mr. Foster replied that people lean to something brand new, and they thought it might be easier to handle the decorations. Mrs. Morey said that more of the older people will be able to afford the $20 per couple which will leave out some of the younger people. Mr. Tucker asked if Mr. Foster was representing the Chamber of Commerce and he replied in the affirmative. Mr. Tucker asked who is backing this and Mr. Foster mentioned the Editor of the Herald-Trawler, President of John Hancock and said other similar people. He also mentioned Jack Frost, the commercial artist. Mr. Tucker asked how active the President of John Hancock would be, and if he were a name. He asked who basically, is in back of this. Mr. Viano replied that Jack Frost, a commercial artist, is actually in back of it. Mr. Tucker asked what he hoped to realize from it. Mr. Foster said the people financing it are the American Airlines, Cities Service, etc. who have indicated a willingness to put up $25,000, $40,000 or $50,000 and that is where the commercial activity takes place. Mr. Tucker said that this is actually a joint commercial enterprise with a hope of stimulating business within New Emgland. He asked how it would commercialize April 19th. Mr. Foster said he did not feel it would be a commercial thing. Mr. Tucker said there is some motivation. Mr. Maloney said it is to make money for the New England states. 537 Mr. Viano explained that Jack Frost hopes to get a million people back in New England. Mr. Foster said the only danger he could see is the fact that there will be a great deal of publicity if any of these plans are to be tied in with whoever opens this Yankee Home Coming idea. If it is not a good balanced program, there may be criticism. Mr. Maloney suggested that the Chamber of Commerce contact Mr. Gustin immediately and discuss the program with him and then perhaps meet with the Board again. Mr. Tucker asked what the Chamber of Commerce expected to realize. Mr. Maloney said it will cost them a lot of money. Mr. Tucker asked how it would benefit the Town and Mr. Foster replied only by an awareness on the part of the people. Mrs. Morey asked if Yankee Home Coming was willing to have it start in Lexington and Mr. Foster replied in the affirmative. ` Messrs. Foster and Viano retired at 8:25 P.M. Letter was received from the State Department of Public Works, together with a Memorandum of Agreement Chapter 90 for the improvement of a section of Concord Avenue. Both copies of the agreement were signed to be returned for the County Commissioners ' signatures. Mr. F. W. &Lafferty, Director, The Dow Chemical Company, met with the Board. Mr. Grindley Chairman of the Planning Board, was also present. Mr. McLafferty explained that Dow has established a research laboratory in the East, now located in Framingham. He said that it is not a desirable loca- tion for several reasons, one being they have outgrown it and the other, the difficulty in attracting personnel who have to have a nice laboratory. He explained that Dow in looking for a new location for a laboratory they are Chemical looking at what they think might be desirable areas research and trying to find out how towns feel toward such an laboratory enterprise. The type of installation planned is different from the average industrial location. He said they do not need a railroad siding or Route 128. In fact, they prefer not to have them. The building will take up only a small part of the total area and they want a place that is beautiful to begin with. I 538 Mi 11 They hope to landscape the area and make it fit the surroundings. It will look something like a campus. They don't need good access or unskilled labor near by. He said they believe their people could contributb something to the town in that they will be more like the people living in Lexington than those living in 7 South Boston. He said they would like to know if the Selectmen have any interest in their type of laboratory locating in Lexington and if there are any sites zoned for it or sites that could be properly zoned. He said they would be pleased to present their case to the people Lt it is necessary to go to Town Meeting. If there is tots much objection, they would not want to push anything through that would make anyone unhappy. He explained that Dow has always tried to be a good neighbor. Mr. Grindle asked how large an area they have in mind, and Mr. McLafferty replied that they are thinking about twenty or thirty acres with only 20,000 square feet of building. The building will be a low, modern structure. They hope to grow in five or ten years enough to need another building and me37e another building in fifteen years. He said theycannot pay $1.00 per square foot either. Mrs. Morey inquired about the initial investment, and Mr. McLafferty said it would be somewhere about one-half or three-quarters of a million. That is the initial plan and it will take thirty or fotty 'pedple . The Chairman asked what kind of research effort would be conducted, and Mr. McLafferty replied that it is long range. They have no manufacturing facilities planned. He explained that one of the advantages of being research with a production facility, they get the product into production quicker. The long-range research can be isolated. Mr. Tucker inquired about the size of the organiza- tion at present, and Mr. McLafferty said that there are nine people. They hope to be able to move into the new building in about three years. They would like to ac- quire the land by the end of this year or the first of next year. Mr. Grindle asked if he had looked at the land in Lexington, and Mr. McLafferty replied that he does not know too much about Lexington. He said he was shown a site at Route 328 and the Concord Turnpike which did not have any sewerage. Mr. Grindle said he would have to have sewerage and Mr. McLafferty replied in the affirmative. 152.9 Mr. Grindle said that the Planning Board rules and regulations require it. The Chairman said that the Selectmen were interested btt the Board through who Mr. McLafferty should work from now on would be the Planning Board. He said he did not know if that Board could suggest any particular sites or not and it might be up to him to contact a good real estate agent and then present something to the Plan- ning Board. Mr. Grindle said that Mr. Snow might have some sug- gestions to make. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Grindle introduce Mr. McLafferty to Mr. Snow. Mr. McLafferty asked if it would be of interest tO the town to have such a laboratory. The Chairman replied that no one has ever tried a research laboratory, but the Board would be interested to hear more as it develops. Messrs. McLafferty and Grindle retired ar 8:50 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Deputy Chief Belcastro advising that the oil burner at the new Town Office Building has been inspected and found to be xg staisfactory in regard to installation. He recommended 5fstagg that during the heating system, since no exhaust louvre has been installed, the window in the heater room be 16ft open to exhaust any excess of heat that might build up. A copy of the letter was mailed to Mr. Brooks, Chair- man of the Additional Town Office Building Committee and the permit to be posted was given to the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Tucker commended Mr. Gayer for his action in sending out the information relative to the water situation caused by the present drought. The Chairman read a letter from the Appropriation Committee relative to the request for a transfer of $5,730.50 for completion of the Additional Town Office Transfer Building. The Appropriation Committee felt that action could be taken on the request at the Special Town Meeting to be held in September. The Committee is of the opinion that requests for additional funds for capital expendi- tures should be placed before the Town Meeting and, except in extreme cases, is not a proper subject for transfer from the Reserve Fund. 540 r" nE1 1 The Chairman read a letter from the Appropriation Transfer Committee advising that a transfer of 0300 has been made from the Reserve Fund to the Collectorts Personal Services Account. The Chairman read a letter from John Casello, 32 Ward Street, advising that he wishes to purchase Tax title tax title lot 31, Block 18 Ward Street and wait three property years at which time a tax taking will probably be made On lot 30 and the tax lien foreclosed. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to sell and convey tax title lot 31, Block 18 Ward Street to John Cassello, 32 Ward Street and to refund the money he paid for lot 30 which cannot be sold at this time by the Town due to the fact that the taking was invalid. Retirement Letter was received from the Department of Banking Report and Insurance, together with a copy of a Preliminary Report of Examination of the Lexington Contributory Re- tirement System. It was decided to have Mr. Palmer, Secretary to the Contributory Retirement System meet with the Board at its next regular meeting. Application was received from Jennie Bohemier and License Erminio Surbone for a Common Victualler's license to dp business at 62 Massachusetts Avenue. Satisfactory character reference were received from the Chief of Police. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to grant the license, same to be held un- til approval of the establishment is received from the Board of Health. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to grant the following licenses: James P. Connell 55 Forest St. Guide Ray Feeley, d.b.a. Lexington 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies Mr. Richard Purington and Chief Rycroft met with the Board at 9:00 P.M. Mr. Purington q ained that he would like to discuss a subject/k hUped the Board would ap- prove. 541 1 He said the suggestion was made by the Chief that the antenna for the Police radio system ba- put on the water tower, that there always has been some difficulty in getting over that hill. He said in setting up the equipment at the base of the tower and setting the antenna on top shpuld result in excellent- reception. He explained that there are many reasons why it would be wise to move the antenna to this location. He said a sixty watt transformer can be put there and can be Operated by retote control by two police telephone lines. The tower and antenna, which has been in use in this building, will be left where they are. There would be moving expense to put that in the new building. He said if it does not intefere with the Boards plans Per this building, it can be left where it is and operated with the same remote control equipment. If any thing ever happens to the one on the water tower, this one would be a standby. He said the Chief could set up a schedule whereby one morning a week it could be used to make sure it functions. He said that there is an outlet at the Public Works Department and it is desirable that there be at least two outlets and a great advantage to have a third. He said he recommends it and would be glad to see Civil Defense funds used if necessary. Mr. Purington said he talked to Captain Mcisaac who says this type of operation is one that is eligible for matching funds so the Town would pay one-half of the cost. The expense of telephone circuits would be paid • for in So% by matching funds. He said he would support authorization to install motorola sixty-watt transmitter at the base of the water tower and he thought the Public Works Department could erect suitable housing. He explained that Motorola supplies a box which would be water-proof in itself but not tamper proof. By putting it in a steel container it can be well protected. He said it would improve the Town coverage for police and fire and public works communication a great deal. The Chairman asked if a test has been run and Mr. Purington assured him it is hardly necessary. He said there is perfect coverage from the water tower on Route 128 and through the valleys all the way to East Lexington. He said the tower can be seen from many places and the performance would be just as good as from the location here. The Chairman asked if there was a problem of lightening protection. Mr. Purington replied in the negative and said Motorola advises that the antenna itself would pro- ' vide protection. He said the only thing that would M2 C*a a direct lightening knock it out would beg ng flash. In that case, they can move over to the old installation in this building. The Chairman said it provides no more hazard for the water tower than now exists. Mr. Purington said he would think it would pro- vide more protection, because it would be grounded, Mr. Reed asked about funds, and the Chairman asked how much money is involved. Police Chief Rycroft said they did not know. He ex- radio plained that two poles would be installed and one or and possibly two additional ones would be required for antenna which the Town will have to pay. The Chairman asked about the transmitter. Mr. Purington said that is in the neighborhood of $600 and the accessories bring it up to somexhere around $1400. He said the sum of $600 was going to be spent to move the equipment to the new building. Mr. Reed asked if the money/ ito be spent on the new building could be used for the Water tower. Mr. Maloney suggested that Mr. Purington obtain definite figures as to what the cost will be. Mr. Reed referred to the matching funds and asked if the Town paid the bill in full at first. Mr. Purington replied that the Motorola man says not. The Town pay one-half and the State pays the other hale to the contractor . He said Captain Mclsaac would handle this personally. The Chairman said the Board should have a break- down of the items and the total cost. Mr. Reed said the Board would like the figures as soon as possible. Additional funds will have to be requested for the new building and if this changes the figure the Board should know. The Chairman said the Board should know how much this is going to cost before giving any authorization. Messrs. Purington and Rycroft retired at 9:30 P.M The Chairman referred to a sewer betterment assessment in the amount of $825.79 levied against property of Mary V. Chiesa which had been deferred Deferred under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Acts of sewer 1950. According to the Assessor;, the owner of betterment record is now John D. Chiesa, Jr. who, on July 8, 1957, paid $309.76 covering 128 toot frontage which is his house lot. Mr. Chiesa would like to have the balance of $516.03 deferred. 54[3 Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted, under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, to extend the time for payment of betterment assessment of *516.03, without interest, levied against property formerly of Mary V. Chiesa and now of John D. Chiesa, Jr., until said land or any part thereof is built upon, sold, or until the expiration of three years from the date hereof, whichever event occurs first; provided, however, that this extension of time shall terminate immediately if the facilities of the sewer are used for said land or any part thereof. Mr. Snow, consultant to the Planning aoard, met with the Selectmen and said he has been considering, amoung other things, a recreation plan. He presented. a plan of Adams Street showing the Vine Brook easement from East Street to North Street. He also pointed out the Shannon-Stevens gravel pit. He explained that the Planning Board is proposing along with Mark Moore, since the Town has flowage rights, to convert a portion of the area into a lineal parkway and develop Vine Brook into some type of recreation area for picnics on one side of the ease- , int and also to develop the gravel pit. He said Dr. North Shannon had an option on the property which expired Street tonight and was not taken up. Dr. Shannon said he gravel pit would hold up until he talked with the Planning Board. He came in this evenings6' &�1 aimed he could get two building sites on Northhfit piece of land is worth potentially two building lots. He said he would sell it for $7,000. He said if the Town purchased it he would have to pay a broker's fee and could therefore sell it for *6500. If there are not sufficient funds for the Town to act on th** he is willing to enter an agreement whereby he will wait until Town Meeting. Mr. Snow said that the Planning Board feels this property should be acquired and, in the overall scheme, he recommends that this be included in the Town's recreation plans. submitting Mr. Maloney suggested/it to the Town at the Special Meeting on September 16th,. Mr. Reed said that Dr. Shannon would like *500 for an option and the Planning Board has enough money to take the option. He asked if the Town would have to build a bridge for Mark Moore. Mr. Snow said it would cost him so much money to develop this side of the land that the Planning 1 544 Cr1 Board thought there was a possible way of the Town building a large box culvert in exchange for this land here. Mr. Reed asked if it was something for the Special Town Meeting, and Mr. .Snow replied that they have not gone any further. He said Mark Moore knows he cannot build on this area and he was not aware of the flowage rights when he purchased the land. The Chairman said the immediate problem is the acquisition of the sand pit property, and suggested that the Planning Board move on that. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M. A true record, Attest: ec ive Cler , Select (V sp �