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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1956-10-22-BOS-min 101 SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 22, 1956 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, October 22, 1956 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. James, Maloney, Tucker and Mrs. Morey were present. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, and the Executive Secretary were also present. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Town of Lexington to maintain one underground tank for the storage of 1,000 gallons of gasoline on pre- mises of the New Town Office Building, Massachusetts Avenue. A notice of the hearing was inserted in the October 11, 1956 issue of the Lexington Minute-man Gasoline and also sent to the abutters. hearing No persons appeared in favor or in opposition. The Chairman reported that the application had been approved and signed by B. J. Belcastro, Deputy Chief, of"the Lexington Fire Department. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to approve the application and grant a license for the maintenance of one underground tank for the storage of 1,000 gallons of gasoline on pre- mises of the New Town Office Building. Petition from the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for j/o pole locations on Crosby Road was held over. The Chairman reported that the poles have already Pale been located and this petition is merely to correct locations the petitioners' records as when originally granted Crosby Road was a private way. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order. Statement from the M.D.C. relative to unexpended balance of the Water Supply System funds was noted and placed on file. The Chairman read a letter from John Blackhall Smith, Superintendent of Schools, advising that the Harrington School Building Committee recently authorized the erection of a Cyclone fence along cer- Boundary .in boundaries of the Harrington School. Since no line permanent boundary marks were erected when the plot Harrington was originally acquired, it was necessary to hire a School 102 ' N surveying firm, Miller & Nylander, to determine the / boundary lines. Mr. Nylander found that the plot on file at the Town Office were incorrect. Mr. Smith stated in his letter that he was calling this to the Boardi e attention With the suggestion that it be re- ferred to Town Counsel. The Chairman also read a letter from Mr. Stevens advising that the property was acquired by the Town by a taking by eminent domain on September 17, 1951 and recorded on September 18, 1951. The instrument of taking referred to a survey plan which was recorded with the Orddsr. Subsequently the Town obtained from the owners, a confirmatory deed and damage release dated September 20, 1951 and recorded on September 2L , 1951. This instrument followed the same description and referred to the same plan as did the taking Order. He said that he did not see where there would be any error in the Townts records, but suggested that the matter be referred to the Town Engineer for his com- ments and suggestions. The Chairman reported that John Carroll, of the Engineering Department, is in the process of checking this. Mr. Smith also referred to the 1957 School budgets and said. that the School Committee is considering salaries for non-teaching personnel. The Committee Salaries would like to know of the policy for the payment of secretaries and custodians under the jurisdiction of the Selectmen. Mrs. Morey said that the Library Trustees would like to know something about salaries for budget pur- poses. The Chairman asked if the Board felt it advisable to discuss salaries at this time and Mr. James replied in the affirmative. It was agreed to hold a special meeting in the Trustees Room, Cary Memorial Building, on Tuesday night, October 30th for the express purpose of discussing the subject of salaries. Mr. Stevens read a let-ter to the Board re Gorham Buttrick et ux vs. Lexington. Pursuant to a confer- ence regarding possible settlement of the Buttrick and Barnes. cases, Mr. Stevens agreed with Mr. Buttrick's attorney to settle the Buttrick case for $600. He said this undertaking was made principally On the ground that the Town could not afford to try the case when only that amount was involved. Be explained that the balance now in Sunnyfield Sewer appropriation, is something less than $3.00 and recommended a transfer 103 from the Reserve Fund so that settlement may be effected. Mr. Stevens reported in his letter that he of- fered the attorney for Dr. Barnes $1850 in settlement, Settlement but he will take nothing less that $4,000. Mr. Stevens of Buttrick did not recommend that the Town voluntarily pay such ca3e sun. He felt it better to take a chance with the jury unless the case can be settled for a figure closer to $2,000 or $2,500. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Tucker, Transfer it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $600 from the Reserve Fund td. the Sunnyfield Sewer Account. At 8:15 P.M. hearing was declared open upon pet- ition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate four poles on the Cambridge-Concord Highway. Mr. Mahon representing the petitioner, Mr. & Mrs. Pole Olivieri and Mr. Louis Serpa were present at the locations hearing. Mr. Mahon explained that an application for service has been received from Mr. adon Olivier,. In order to reach his property it is necessary to ex- tend the line by four poles. The Chairman asked if there were any existing poles in the area now and Mr. Mahon replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked if this is the location on the Turnpike where the Board has been reluctant to have poles located and Mr. Mahon replied in the negative. The Chairman asked if the service was for a new house and Mr. Olivieri replied in the negative. He stated that he cannot go any further until he knows whether or not he can get service. The Chairman asked if he intended to build, and Mr. Olivieri replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked if the location was between Lawn Avenue and Wellington Lane, and Mr. Mahon replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked what Mr. Olivieri intended to dgiLbout water, and he replied that the procedure is to put in an artesian well. The Chairman informed him that there is no water in the area. Mr, Olivieri said that the only solution is what other people have been doing and that is using artesian wells. The Chairman asked if anyone wished to be recorded in favor of the petition. Mr. Louis L. Serpa said that he owns 506 Concord Turnpike and would have no objection to the poles as 104 r- Col VI long as they are on State land. Mr. Mahon explained that this is a State Highway and if the company does obtain a grant from the Town, it must then approach the State for permission to carry on. The group, with the exception of Mr. Mahon, re- tired at 8:25 P. M. The Board could see no justification for denying the petition and upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to sign an Order for the following i/o pole locations: Cambridge-Concord Highway, southerly side, westerly from a point approximately 855 feet west of Wellington Avenue Lane, -- four poles. Guy wire and anchor on the lith pole. Mr. Mahon said that he had a matter in relation to at 'eet 2ignting for the Harringtoi School and pre- sented a layout of six lights that are required. The Chairman asked if the money was coming from the Publid Works Department budget and if the request Harrington was made by the Town Engineer. School Mr. Mahon replied that the request came from lighting Mr. Wentworth, Boston Edison Company. Mrs. Morey said that there is money In the school budget to pay for this. They can get State assistance and erect ornamental poles. ¶ he Chairman said that he would discuss the sub- ject with Mr. Gaya and advised Mr. Mahon that the poles will be ornamental if they are paid for from the school budget. If, however, they have to be paid from Mr.Gayer's budget, the poles are td be Class #2. Mr. Maloney said that he thought the lighting was more important than the poles. He said the municipal parking area is better illuminated than the High School. Mr. Mahon said that the lights requested are nct very bright. Mr. Maloney said that regardless of who pays fa? them the lighting should be better. Mr. Mahon said he would like to bring before the Pole Board the matter of a pole on Meriam Street at the Epis- location copal Church. Episcopal Mr. James explained that the Board approved Church placing of the pole, but it is in the wrong place. The Architect does not want to bring the service in from the present location. Mr. Mahon said that the company has agreed to Change 10 it but they have not had an opportunity to get a j/e petition signed by the New England Telephone and. Telegraph Company. The Board was in favor of having the pole mo- ved to the location desired by the architect. Mr. Mahon retired at 8:40 P. M. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to lay 112 feet of conduit in Bernard Street. Mr. Consilvio, representing the Petitioner, and Mr. and Mrs. Dawes were present at the hearing. Mr. Consilvio explained that the company is desirous of feeding service to the people living on Bernard Street. The only way to cross is through the existing conduit. It will be extended at three feet from the corner of Bedford Street to the first pole, Conduit three feet off the property line in the travelled way. location The Chairman said that construction of the street will be started right away. Mr. Consilvio said he would advise the company to start right away. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the following conduit location: Bernard Street, from a point 10 feet from Bedford Street, northeasterly approximately 112 feet of conduit. Mr. and Mrs. Dawes retired at 8:45 P. M. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to lay 146 feet of conduit in Hancock Street. No one appeared in favor or in opposition. Mr. Consilvio said that he had the manhole going to the first pole 5 extending underground to pole 6 to relieve Some of the strain on pole 5. Conduit It is now underground crossing the tracks to pole location 5 and will be underground to pole 6. Mrs. Morey asked if this involved the location of one pole and Mr. Consilvio replied that it would possibly mean the elimination of pole 5. Mr. Tucker asked why underground and Mr. Consilvio replied that the company has more requests for higher grade of service and to do that there will be a very large conduit. Rather than have pole 5 take all the load it will be split, come up with new cable and go to pole 6. He said the company wants to 1�6 C give more service to that section of Lexington. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the Order for the following conduit location: Hancock Street, from manhole #34/56A northeasterly approximately 146 feet of conduit. The Chairman informed Mr. Consilvio that the telephone company has a manhole in the middle of Lexington .Center and the men are working on it five days a week. He asked if there was any possibility of having it moved over toward the curbing. Mr. Consilvio said that he would have to check with the company' s engineer to find out about re- locating the manhole and bring it back toward the sidewalk. He said he thought it might be almost impossible but he would bring it to the attention of the Engineering Department. Mr. Consilvio retired at 8:50 P. M. Chairman Belding, Messrs . Gay, Hoyt and Meyers of the Cary Library Addition Committee, Mr. Ralph H. Nason, Librarian and Rev, Harold T. Handley met with the Board. Mr. Belding said that the Committee is requesting the insertion of an article in the warrant to request a supplementary appropriation for the building and equipping and addition. When the final plans were nearly completed the Committee obtained an estimate which was away over the budget so it ordered changes in the plans. Now the Committee has a plan substantm sally as shown in the brochure, including only what it feels is necessary. The Committee has a new estimate which is substantially over, and feels that any further cuts in cost will effect the size and plan of the building. He said they want to go to Town Meeting and have the Town Meeting members choose additional cost or curtailment of the scope of the addition. The Chairman said that what the Board questions at the moment is whether the Committee can cut or do any changing from what was presented at the Annual Town Meeting without having a vote of the Town. Mr. Belding said that the Committee feels techni- cally it can under the vote give the Town an addition which is all that was called for, but it won't be what the Committee led the Town to expect. The Chairman said that there is a moral obligation to 107 4 the people. He asked if the Committee is not given the money would it assume that it is to go ahead and do the best it can with the money available. Mr. Belding said that is his understanding. Mr. Gay said to go ahead with the money they -have would be a drastic change. Cary The Chairman said he would object if the Committee Library constructed it, as it could, for the money available. Addition He said it is the Committee's duty to bring this be- fore the Town Meeting before it goes ahead. Mrs. Morey said that there are some people who feel that such a large expenditure should be some place else. She asked what the Committee would do if there is a feel- ing that the Town should not spend 111400,000. Mr. Belding said his reaction to changing the site is that it is a very good idea but to get the same library it will cost an additional four or five hundred thousand dollars. Mrs. Morey asked how much/ 8y would be requested, and Mr. Belding replied about 100,000. Mrs. Morey said that will mean one-half a million for this addition. She said that if the Town Meeting votes it down, she understands the Committee will be somewhat short if it leaves off the stack wing. Mr. Belding said leaving off the wing will still be II over the budget. If they take it from furnishings it will leave only $1,000 for that item. The Chairman said that the figure discussed is only an estimate. Mrs. Morey said that to arrive at the cut figure, she understood they would leave out some of the furnishings, and Mr. Belding explained that this figure includes all the furnishings. Mrs. Morey said if the building is built and the amount for furnishings is cut, the Library Trustees would have to ask for money to complete the building. Mr. Maloney asked how much of a problem it would be to put this out for bids, and Mr. Belding replied that they expect to have it out for bids the 19th of November. Mr. Maloney said that if the bid is over the estimate, the Committee would have to come back again. Mr. Belding said they would have to have a Special Town Meeting within thirty days. He said there has been some consideration given to the idea that contractors will esti- mate lower costs in January. They are not bidding low now. The Chairman asked how the Committee expected to get the $100,000 and Mr. Belding replied that the Committee has not 108 considered where it should come from. The Chairman asked if the sunject had been discussed with the Appropriation Committee and Mr. Belding said that they did not discuss how the money could be raised. The Chairman said he was concerned with the parking facilities for such an expensive building. Mr. Belding said that has already been discussed some what. He said he thought there was room for 37 or 40 cars in the final setup. The Chairman asked if he meant without additional land and Mr. Belding replied in the affirmative. He said they wanted to perk 70 or 80 cars but that would increase the cost. Mr. Hoyt explained that 29 cars was the original figure and there was no way of getting out. Mr. Maloney said that a lot of money is being put into this building and there should be parking fQr at least 50 cars. It was agreed to have the Board of Selectmen con- tinue negotiations with Mr. Albert F. Douglass relative to the parking area. The Chairman asked if the article as now written up met with the Gommitteets approval, and Mr. Belding replied in the affirmative stating that he thoug1ttit quite broad in scope. The Committee retired at 9:20 P. M. Letter was received from M. F. Shaughnessy, president Bf the Sun Valley Associates, Ine., requesting immediate consideration to the installation of street lights on Street Winchester Drive. lights The Chairman reported that Mr. Gayer has discus- sed this with the Boston Edison and the lights will be installed. Letter was received from Mrs. Virginia Coleman, re questioning removal of eight trees on the Highland Avenue side of the Wild Acre Inn to provide for a Removal of parking area. trees The Chairman reported that Mrs. Coleman met him up there and the number of trees to be removed has been reduced to five. He said they arentt particularly good trees and are in the way of the proposed parking area. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to post five trees for removal, said trees to be marked for Mr. Gayer by the Chairman. The Chairman read a letter from Alberico Sgrosso, 104 Reed Street, requesting removal of a tree so that 1109 he can enlarge his driveway and hardtop it. Mr. Gayer reported that the tree in question Tree is a good elm but it will have to be removed if the removal driveway is widened. Befbre acting on the request the Board will view the area„ Petition was received from Roger G. Swenson, et als requesting acceptance of Fairlawn Lane. Fairlawn The Chairman explained that drainage easements Lane will have to be obtained before the street is ac- cepted, He said Mr. Gayer will have to check into this. Letter was received from Chief Rycroft requesting appointment of Charles Parks 10 Hawthorne Road, as a Special Police Officer. Mr. Parks was an auxiliary police officer with the Medford Police Department for ten years, has been a resident of Lexington for Special two years and is desirous of joining the police group police here. Mr. Tucker said he would like more information as to who the applicant is and why he wants to be appointed. The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Henry M. Sullivan's offer of *2325 for lots 35 and 36 Hil1� crest Street, Lexington. A proposal to sell these Tax lots was advertised in the October 18, 1956 issue Of title the Lexington Minute-man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted that the offer be accepted and Lots 35 and 36 Hillcrest be sold and conveyed to Henry M. Sullivan. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Fire Commissioners relative to a bill received by Private Govan for the use of the ambulance which Ambulance bill transported him to the Symmes Arlington Hospital. abated The Commissioners felt that inasmuch as the incident occured at the fire station while Private Govan was on duty, there should be no charge made. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to abate the ambulance bill in the amount of $10. The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Coal Company advising that Mrs. Edna R. Anderson, a Public Public Weigher, is no longer in the company' s employ. Weigher The company requested appointment of Edward F. Skinner as a Public Weigher. Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. James, 110 it was voted to appoint Edward F. Skinner a Public Weigher in the Town of Lexington for a term expiring March 21, 1957. Application was received from Dr. John E. Murray, Paper on behalf of the Archbishop Cushing Paper Drive, Drive for permission to conduct a paper drive in Lexington on Sunday, November 11, 1956 The Chairman called the Boardts attehtion to Package the Liquor Control Act insofar as it relates to the Goods sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages on State , Stores Election Day, Tuesday, November 6th. "Package Goods" close Nov.6 Stores may not remain open during the polling hours taxless they are authorized to do so by vote of the local licensing authorities. The Board voted unanimousl-y not to authorize the sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages during polling hours, November 6th, which will be from 7:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. The Chairman reported that Kendall Wright came in to see him relative to the sewer betterment Wright assessment levied against Lot B,Adams Street. The Sewer Board instructed the Chairman to find out whether or Betterment not Mr. Wright would accept t betterment figured on a 150 foot frontage. He was agreeable to such an arrangement . Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to put through an abatement in the amount of *272.24 on Lot B, Adams Street; property in the name of Kendall & Penrose E. Wright. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Maloney, Water it was voted to sign a water order for Adams Street Order from end of existing main a distance of 575' more or less to Mill Brook Road. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to sign the Warrant calling for a Special Town Meeting Monday, November 19, 1956 at 8:00 P.M. The Chairman reported that bids for rotary airccom- Bids on pressor were received as follows: air compressor Morrissey Brothers Tractor Company *7,514.00 net 1% Pesco Equipment Corporation 7,500.00 net 111 Hedge & Mattheis Company 7,930.00 net The Chairman explained that the bid submitted by Morrissey Brothers included tool boxes at $350. There is $7,155 in the Road Machinery Account. He said if Morrissey Brothers deduct the tool boxes they would be within 13 for the new compressor and a new truck. They called and said they would deduct the tool boxes and deliver for $7,155. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to accept the low bid submitted by Morrissey Brothers Tractor Company, at $7,155.net. Mr. Gayer reported that Mr. Baylis owns a parcel of land between Round Hill Road and Glen Road and wants to get water to it so he can build a new house. There is a section of main going down Round Hill Road and on Glen Road Extension there are two long services, He said, not wanting any more long services, he tried to figure out what could be done to supply him with water. He said he would like to get a six inch main down there. He explained that if Mr. Baylis requests the water under betterments, the town would realize Baylis about $175 and then wait until the Spring Town Meeting. request He said he thought of asking him to pay the amount for water he would have to pay for betterment and tell him that the town would supply him with a six-inch pipe and he could install it. Mrs. Morey asked if it would go down Glen Road extension or between the lots. Mr. Gayer replied that it will not make too mueh difference which way it goes. Mr. Tucker said that it might be a very expensive installation. Mr. Gayer agreed to discuss the subject further with Mr. Baylis to find. out how he would teel about the above-mentioned proposition, The meeting adjourned at 10:35 P.M. A true record, Attest: / / / �- / Executive/Clerk,(Select*en. fi II