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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-07-08-BOS-min 517 SELECTMEN'S MEETING July 8, 1957 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, July 8, 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. Further consideration was given to Mr. William G. Potter's request for an adjustment in his water bill for the use of excess water caused by a break in his water pipes . The Chairman said as he recalled the situation there was a break in Mr. Potter's line between the Potter meter and the house which was not discovered for some water bill time. He read a letter from Mr. Gayer listing the adjusted charged for water to Mr. Potter from August, 1953 to May, 1957. The month, of February showed a charge of $3.00 and Mr. Gayer explained that the meter was not read and a minimum charge was made. The Chairman said he had not figured it out, but just looking at the charges it appears that the average bill would be in the neighborhood of 70 for three months, and the bill for May, 1957 was 325 according to the meter. He suggested charging Mr. Potter an average amount which he has experienced over the last year or two. Mr. Reed said that the Town should realize the cost of the water. Mrs. Morey suggested a charge of $75 for one quarter and• for the excess just charge him for the cost of the water to the Town. Mr. Maloney said that Mr. Potter would owe the Town $]40 for two months anyway. The Chairman said, as he understood it, Mr. Potter was to be charged his average for a six months period plus the cost to the Town of the excess over that amount, and the Board agreed. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Gayer advising that all utilities have been disconnected from the Boys ' Demolition Club, 1519 Massachusetts Avenue. Bids for wrecking of Boys ' the building were received as follows : Club 518 CrJ The American Building & Wrecking Co. $1800 The Harvey Building Suppers & Wrecking Co. 1200 The Hub Building Wrecking Co. 1100 Mrs. Morey asked if the bid included taking the building down, carting it off and filling the hold. Mr. Gayer explained that all rubble, as the wreckers call it, would be put in the foundation. All combustible material will be removed. The Chairman asked how much it would cost if the Town took it away. Mr. Gayer said he did not know what he would charge it to but it could be taken down. He said the best method would be to put the clam on the heavy Erie. Mr. Maloney said the Town could dump it on the nursery property and burn it. Mr. Gayer said he wanted to make sure the Board gives him authority to tear the building down. Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to authorize Mr. Gayer to demolish the building at 1519 Massachusetts Avenue, recently vacated by the Boys ' Club. Mr. Gayer reported that he checked with the State Department of Health today and they are willing to accept his telephone call, in regard to restricted use of water, as an emergency and they will put it into effect immediately. All that is required is a letter stating the problem and they will include Lexington as a State of Emergency. The Board will then have legal Water authority for controlling individuals who refuse to Emergency comply with the regulations restricting the use of water. He said he would write such a letter and have the State of Emergency declared. He explained that as long as people complied with the regulations, the Town can get by. Mr. Stevens arrived at the meeting at 7 :55 P.M. Mr. Gayer said he would like to petition the County Commissioners for the relocation of Burlington Street from Grove Street to North Street . He said he understood some action was taken years ago and Mrs. Morey explained that the people living on the Street opposed it. 519 Mr. Stevens said if the people on the street want it relocated, the Board might want to get releases. He explained that when the County Commissioners lay it out they state the damages shall be paid by the Town. If the people want it and sign, it would help. Mr. Gayer agreed that Mr. Stevens suggestion was the best approach and said he would see if something can be arranged whereby the people initiate the relocation. Mr. Gayer reported on policies followed by sur- rounding towns relative to taking down trees with Dutch Elm disease. He explained that in some towns the Warden notifies the people that the tree is dis- eased and they must have it removed within a certain period of time . If they do not have it removed then the Tree Warden has it removed by a private concern and the bill becomes a lien on the property if not paid. Dutch Elm Mr. Stevens said that was his recollection. diseased Mrs. Morey asked if there was any obligation on the trees part of the Town to participate in the cost for having the trees removed and Mr. Stevens replied that he did not think so. The Chairman said that, according to the chart I Mr. Gayer gave him, there are more private trees to be removed than public trees. Mr. Reed said he would like to carry on as in the past and in next year's budget include an amount for Town-owned trees and another amount forrivatel - P y owned trees and let the Town Meeting decide on what policy is to be followed. The Board agreed with Mr. Reed and in the meantime Mr. Gayer is to let the work out on contract. The Chairman referred to Mr. Gayer's letter of July 1st, a copy of which was sent to each member of Public the Board, referring to changes in the Department Works that have been made and additional changes for the Department Board to consider. He asked if Mr. Gayer wanted the Board to take any action immediately and if he wanted to discuss it. Mr. Gayer replied that it could be done at the Board's convenience. Mrs. Morey said she noticed Mr. Gayer had the Coat Accounting System in the Accounting Department and she thought that Department should be examined before putting on any further obligations. 620 1.1 Wool Mr. Gayer said he thought that would be the logical department for it. Mr. Maloney said Mr. Gayer would set up the cost. Mr. Gayer said he could set it up for his Depart- ment and other departments could take advantage of it if they so desired. He said if no other department wants it, it is something he would want to go into for himse .f. The Chairman referred to the automatic postage and sealing coaching mentioned in the letter and explained that the Board has already authorized Pitman-Bowes to make a survey. He said the Board would keep this on file for discussion at a later date. Mrs. Morey said that two weeks ago Mr. Gould met with the Board, representing Mr. Corrigan, who wanted to go over the hill on school property to start work on his development. As she recalled the discussion, the Board agreed that as far as it was concerned, it was all right for him to go over that land but he should clear with the School Department first. She reported that she received a telephone call from Mr. Smith to the effect that someone was taking down trees and had taken over a load of water pipe. She then called Mr. Gould and reminded him that he was to clear with the School Department. He said he understood it was all right to go ahead until someone stopped him. She then told him it was all right to go over the land but he was to contact the School De- partment before doing so. She said she d not recall that the Board gave permission to attach/weer pipe Corrigan from that line over crosswise. use of Mr. Reed said he did not recall anything about school the water. land Mr. Gayer said he raised the question ss to who was to pay for the utilities from existing water and sewer over to the Corrigan line and he thought Town Counsel was going to check into it. Mr. Stevens explained that it was a Board of Survey Street and Mr. Gould was going to do some checking. He said Mr. Gould called him today and reported that Mr. Smith told him to stop until he obtained permission. Mr. Smith was willing they should have access across the property providing they repaired any damage, but only until September 3rd when school opened. Mr. Gould said that would not be satisfactory because the work would not be completed and they would be left without means of access. L 521 1 He wanted to know if Mr. Corrigan could do the preliminary work with the understanding that when the street was accepted and the work authorized the Town would reimburse him. Mr. Stevens told him he knew of no way such ah agreement as that could be made. He told him if the work was done he could not see how the Town could reimburse him. He then wanted to know if it would be helpful if Mr. Corrigan met with the Board this evening and that is how Mr. Gould happened to be waiting outside now. Mrs. Morey asked if the sewer line would be laid directly to the main line across school property and Mr. Gayer replied in the affirmative . He said the water line should go down the existing school drive which will be rebuilt some day anyway. When Mr. Gould came into the meeting the Chairman said that the last meeting closed with Mr. Gouldts remark to the effect it would not be necessary for him to come back to the Board until after Town Meeting. Mr. Gould said that Mr. Corrigan had a conference with Mr. Smith. They made an arrangement whereby Mr. Corrigan was to use the street by the High School and gain access to his property. However, that privilege will terminate September 3rd just before school opens. He said he wanted to see if some solution can be found between September 3rd and the time the street can be built by the Town. He said he talked to Mr. Corrigan about roughing it in for the winter and he is in favor, feeling the finished product would be than if it were cleaned up in the Fall. The only problem they have left is the month and a half or so between September 3rd and the time the street would be roughed in. He said he suggested to Mr. Corrigan that maybe he could arrange to rough it in under supervision of the Town. Mr. Corrigan seemed to think there might not be too much money in- volved and he might go along, but he did not know what would be involved. He said he was going to ask him what he found to be the cost of it. Mr. Gayer said he had the figures the other night, but he did not recall them now. The Chairman said that the Board could not come up with a solution tonight. Mr. Gould said they have until September 3rd to find an answer if they can and he is merely enlisting the aid of the Board of Selectmen. The Chairman said all the Board can do is to consider it and see if a solution can be arrived at and then let Mr. Gould know what it is. 522 C-' Mr. Gould said that was all he wanted now. He said they want to co-operate but don't want to do anything that will be wasted effort. Mrs. Morey asked if, when he cleared the matter of access with Mr. Smith, was it also cleared that it was Mr. Corrigan's intent to lay the sewer and water pipes. Mr. Gould replied that Mr. Corrigan made his own arrangement that the utilities would come through there. If it did any damage to the school property he agreed to reimburse the School Department. He said the utilities would come through there, but did not say who would do it. He said he was going to look up what the Board of Survey street is but has not had time to do it yet. Mr. Stevens said he could see nothing to indicate that the Board of Survey had anything to do with utilities. The purpose of the agreement was to provide access. He said he thought they were talking simply about access. Mr. Gould said he thought that was what was intended to be said. He said he could report to Mr. Corrigan that the Board of Selectmen is trying to find some solution to help him with this subdivision problem. Mr. Stevens pointed out that the Board of Selectmen does not commit itself to find a solution. Mr. Gould retired at 8:45 P.M. Mr. Reed said the road was put into the school and the school was built with the understanding that this road would be access to this property. Mr. Stevens said that there was no commitment by the School Department or any decision by this Board. Mr. Reed asked how the School Committee could put a time limit on as to when Mr. Corrigan would have to stop using the road. Mr. Maloney asked what jurisdiction the School Com- mittee had. Mr. Stevens said it has only been constructed as a driveway. Mr. James said he would contact Mrs. Marek. Mr. Consilvio, representing the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, met with the Boatd and reported that he contacted the Lexington Historical Society for Pole permission to relocate a pole on Tavern Lane for Mr. location Walker. He was referred to Mr. Davis who told him he was going to check with Town Counsel. Mr. Consilvio explained that the proposed location is private property and has nothing to do with the Board of Selectmen, but Mr. Davis feels that the Town Counsel should rule on it. 523 ' Mr. Stevens said that permission would have to be obtained from the Historical Society, and approval from the Historic Districts Commission. He said he would call Mr. Davis. Mr. Consilvio retired. Chairman Grindle, Messrs . Abbott and Soule of the Planning Board and Mr. Howlett met with the Selectmen. Mr. Grindle reported that the Planning Board is trying to get something on a master plan, streets and Planning transportation being a part of the plan. He said Mr, Board Snow has been working on a street in the eastern part proposed of the town. He asked Mr. Howlett to explain the St. & traffic survey and what the Planning Board proposals traffic are. Mr. Howlett said that the purpose is to give the Board some idea of the traffic load and explained the subject by use of plans and drawings. He said first of all most of Lexington is pretty well vacant and the other item is the old existing roads which have been here for many years and he showed the only by-pass, Route 2A. He explained that Routes 128 and 2 are different types altogether and do not effect Lexington at all. He said that the other two important streets are Concord Avenue and Lowell Street which act as through traffic and have very high volumes of traffic. Mr. Howlett gave the Board the background of the survey made by the Planning Board and reported that well over 80% of• the traffic going through the center is through traffic and should not be going there at all. Mr. Grindle said that people/asked the Planning Board to reserve some of the large sections of land for recreation. Last Friday, he, Mr•. Jaquith and Mr. Snow Willard went over the Willard property on North Street with Miss land, Willard. She has about 58 acres of land of which about North St. one-third is covered• with wood and pine. Down by the Junior High School road there are about eight acres that would make a playground. He reported that Miss Willard has been offered some fine prices for the land but she does not want to have it developed, She is holding onto the land as long as she can and when she has to have some money she will then have to sell it. He explained that Miss Willard would like to have the Town take it over and is open minded to any suggestions. lie said if the Town • does not acquire the property right away, it will never get it. 24 .4 Mr. Grindle said she would like to have the proposition left in some way so that she could derive some income from it each year, and the Planning Board is going to discuss the matter with Town Counsel. He said if the Town would take the property, Miss Willard would be pleased. He said the Planning Board does not want to proceed with anything that -will be rejected by the Town but there are people who believe that some- thing should be done to retain some of this land, and the eight acres could be used as a playground. He said if this is something the Selectmen would be very much opposed to the Planning Beard iodld likeato td had any Mr. Tucks figRed if the Planning idea how much/MMss Willard wants for the property and Mr. Grindle replied in the negative. Mr. Grindle said he told Mast Willard the Planning Board would try and let her know some time before November whether or not the Town is interested. Mr. Soule said the land is worth 41,000 an acre from a Town purchasing proposition. Mr. Maloney: said that Miss Willard would like something like a pension and have the Town pick up so many acres a year on an option and pay her so much per year. Mr. Grindle said she would hot like to pay a large inheritance tax and if the Board of Selectmen have no objection, the Planning Board will discuss the subject with Town Counsel. The Planning Board retired at 9:20 P.M. Mr. Stevens reported that he has been unable to contact Mr. Thomas, attorney for Mrs. Ross, but it seems to him the only action to take is for the Board to make a taking. He said the question of Sewer Ross damages was left open because there was no layout of development streets that could be followed. The Planning Board is now approving the first section. He said there is the question as whether or not connection charges are to be made and if so what lots. He reported she is selling this land to Leeland Construction Co. and the next step is for him to sit down with her attorney and arrive at some arrangement, if possible, on what lots a connection charge is to be made. He said he thought, where there is no easement through a lot, that lot should pay a full connection charge. On the lots where there is an easement, a deduction should be made because of the easement. 525 He suggested that the Board sign an Order of Taking and if it is not necessary, it can be wiped out. Mr. Gayer retired at 9:30 P.M. The Chairman reported that Mr. Armand Pellegrini, 10 Essex Street, came into the office and said that Mr. Laurel St. Leonard Jellis has erected a barrier on Reed Street, in extension front of his property, and informed Mr. Pellegrini that it is private property which he is acquiring from the Town. It was agreed to advise. Mr. Pellegrini that the Board is considering a taking to extend Laurel Street in a straight line to the present paved Reed Street. Mr. Stevens reported that he had now received from Leeland Construction Company Inc. a confirmatory deed of the easement taken for the construction of Worthen Road and a release of damages from the taking. Abatement Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to abate the betterment upon land of Leeland Construction Company, Inc. that was estimated to be $9,000 in the schedule of betterments attached to the Order of Taking for Worthen Road Mr. Stevens retired at 9:45 P.M. Copy of letter from the Bedford Board of Selectmen to the County Commissioners regarding replacement of Town town boundary monuments at Hanscom Air Force Base , was bounds read by the Chairman and placed on file. Copy of letter from the Collector of Taxes to the Appropriation Committee requesting a transfer of Transfer $300 from the Reserve Fund for personal Services was Tread by the Chairman and placed on file. The Chairman read a letter from Miss Alma F. Spiers, 195 Lowell Street, stating that the Selectmen should at- tend the hearing on the petition of the Boston and Maine Railroad for further curtailment of service on the Bedford branch. The Chairman was authorized to advise Miss . Spiers, that the Selectmen would fallow past procedure and attend the hearing, when notified, as representatives of the citizens of Lexingtonp The Chairman read a letter from Captain Donald Smith USAF, requesting permission to display a 40' flat-bed truck 526 r DC with prizes in front of the Railroad Station on July 27th and August 16th fron 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Permission was also requested to solicit donations for the Air Force Aid Society and Welfare Fund. Permit to The subject was discussed at length and it was display agreed to grant permission to display the truck with truck prizes and to advise that this does not give permissions to solicit any donations as the Board has no authority to grant such a request. The Chairman was also instructed to ask Captain Smith as information for the records, whether or not the gio€tp hats a charter, by what authority they operate a welfare fund, the purpose of the organization and how the money is spent. The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Lions Club reporting that the carnival held on July 3rd and 4th was a highly successful venture. The Club also requested Lions permission to use Parker Field for the same purpose next Club year. Carnival Inasmuch as the management of public playgrounds and recreation centers is under the jurisdiction of the Recrea- tion Committee it was agreed to advise the Club to i►eiterate its request some time early in 1958, a copy of the letter to be submitted to the Recreation Committee. Letter was received from Rev. Harold T. Handley, President of the Library Trustees, together with letter from the Chairman of the Cary Memorial Library Building Library Committee, relative to additional parking area for the parking library. area Mrs. Morey reported that she had made the suggestion to the Trustees that it would be well if they had an option or gentlemen's agreement with Dr. Newhall against the time when he might be going to sell his property so the Town would have an opportunity to purchase it. She .said it seemed the reasonable action to take as obviously Mr. Douglass is not going to sell his property. Mr. Maloney said that the Committee whould be reminded that they made the statement at the Town meeting that there was ample space for parking, but he would still proceed with Mrs. Morey's suggestion. Mrs. Morey said she thought the Library Trustees would have the authority to talk to Dr. Newhall and ask him if they could have such refusal. It was agreed to write Rev. Handley and tell him that it is the opinion of the Selectmen that the Trustees can enter , 527 into a gentlemen's agreement, for an option of $1.00 with Dr. Newhall that he would not sell his property, adjacent to the library, to anyone before giving the Town an opportunity to purchase it. Letter was received from the Civil Service advising Civil that arrangements will be made, at the earliest possible Service date, to hold an open competitive examination for Police Examination Entrance. Letter was received from the Office of Secretary of State requesting a copy of the police record of Cert. of Vincent M. Caputo, one of the incorporators of the Inc. Key Shippers Association, Inc. The Chairman was authorized to forward a copy of the letter received from the Chief of Police to the Secretary pf State. The Chairman read a letter from F. W. McLafferty, Director, The Dow 'Chemical Company, advising that he Zoning would like an opportunity to meet with the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen relative to the eatablishment of a research laboratory in Lexington. The Chairman was authorized to invite Mr. McLafferty to meet with the Board two weeks from tonight and also invite the Planning Board to be present. Letter was received from Wiggin Terminals, Inc. requesting information relative to availablilty of Zoning land for industtial use. It was agreed to forward the corporation a copy of the Zoning By-Laws and map. Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to re-appoint Dr. William L. Cosgrove Appointmet a member of the Board of Health for a three-year term expiring on June 1, 1960. The Chairman read a letter from Colonel D. E. Newton, Jr. , expressing appreciation to Chief Rycroft for his help in controlling traffic around the Air Base on the two-day Golden Anniversary celebration. The Chairman was instructed to have a copy of the letter sent to Chief Rycroft. The Chairman read a letter from John Blackhiaal Smith, Supt. of Schools, advising that the School 528 Committee will expect the members of the Board to Dedication be platform guests on Sunday, September 8, 1957 when of High the Lexington High School is dedicated at 3:00 P.M. School The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Smith that the members of the Board will make every effort to attend. Further consideration was given to Mr. Nickerson' s proposal relative to employing a competent experienced girl for the Board of Appeals work. Mrs. Morey said that Mr. Nickerson had in mind Board of paying 44.00 per hearing plus a salary which would Appeals insure a competent girl handling the work. The Chairman said he thought the problem was more than 44.00 per hearing. Ae said he thought Mr. Nickerson was thinking of someone for the Board of Appeals office. Mrs. Morey said this was one way of paying someone a little more and getting a better girl without changing the present salary schedule. The Board had no objection to Mr. Nickerson's recommendation and approved 44,00 per hearing. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to pay the Executive Clerk to the Board the sum of 4250 per year, compensation for night work, effective July 1, 1957 to be paid on a quarterly basis and charged to Selectmen's Expendes. The meeting adjourned at 1Q:30 P.M. A true record, Attest: 'xe .(tiv f4lerk Sele en ,} 529 111 BID OPENING July 22, 1957 A meeting rotas .geld in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, July 22, 1957 at 5:00 P.M. for the purpose of :receiving bids for Street Work, Water Mains, Drains, etc. and Sidewalks. Chairman James and Mrs. Moret of the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Howard, representing Whitman & Howard, Mr. Kraynick, Whitman & Howard Engineer, Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk to the Board were present. Bids were opened by the Chairman and read by Mr. Howard as follows : Street Work. Contract No. 4 Check Bid Joseph Lazaro $1500 $70,462.50 George Brox, Inc. " 88,632.50 Water Mains. Drain. etc. , Contract No. 5 D & F Contractors, Inc. 500 4.0,238.50 Susi & DeSantis Co., Inc. " 4.1,645.00 G & P Construction Co. " 34,435.00 Ricci & DeSantis Co., Inc. " 35,849.50 Pipeline Construction Co., Inc. " 48,375.00 Patsy Cavalieri " 38,159.00 Dingley Contracting, Co" " 47,705.00 J. Gavigan Corporation. " 4.0,14.4.50 Joseph Lazaro Corp. " 43,868.75 Sidewalk Construction, Contract No. 6 1 George Brox, Inc. 1000 76,300.00 Alternate Bid 70,150.00 520 Cal Cr9 J. Gavigan Corporation *1000 $56,250.00 L. Maiuri & Sons, Inc. 1+3,390.00 Alternate Bid 38,690.00 The Chairman explained that the bids would be taken under advisement, the successful bidders notified and the checks returned. The meeting adjourned at 5:40 P.M. . true record, Attest: aec ive lark Select tel 1