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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1956-04-23-PM-BOS-min 419 SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 23, 1956 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, April 23, 1956 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. James, Tucker, Mrs. Morey and the Clerk were present. Mr. Maloney arrived at 9:25 P.M. Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, and Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Whitman & Howard re summary of bids received on April 16th for water works materials. In the matter of the cast iron pipe, the Warren Foundry and Pipe Corporation is the low bidder. Inasmuch as they were the low bidder and had Water works satisfactorily supplied the town with pipe in previous materials years, it was recommended that the pipe contract be bids awarded to them. In the matter of hydrants, the Public Works Sup- ply Company, who supply Darling hydrants, is the low bidder. Inasmuch as they were the low bidder and the town has more or less standardized on Darling hydrants, it was recommended that the hydrants be awarded to them. In the matter of gate valves and boxes, Hilco Supply is the low bidder, being about 410 below the second bidder, the Public Works Supply Company who fur- nish Darling valves. The Town has both types of valves. in the water system. Hilco Supply Inc., being the low bidder, and the owner of Public Works Supply Company, being a resident of Lexington, and the difference in the bids being only $10, there is not any great dif- ference which company is selected. Whitman & Howard felt that the Selectmen should make the final decision. In the matter of tapping sleeves and valves, the Public Works Supply Company is the low bidder and it was recommended that the tapping sleeves and valves be awarded to them. Upon motion of Mr . Tucker, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to award the bid for cast iron pipe to the Warren Supply Company and to award the bid for hydrants, gate valves and boxes, tapping sleeves and valves to the Public Works Supply Company. Mr. Gayer reported that he came across a place Sewer where the town extended the sewer service across Cliffe betterments Avenue to the end of Drew Avenue. In so doing it was 420 sai found that the people on Cliffe Avenue had not been charged betterments. They never had sewer before and the sewer in Cliffe Avenue did not come up to the house. He is therefore changing the form of building permit re- quests so that they will automatically go to the Engin- eering Department and it will be put down on the back of the application so such cases will be caught automatic- ally. He asked if, in this instance, where the town put in a sewer service and the people are already connected to the sewer, they could be charged betterments having already been charged for the connection. The name is MacDonald at 42 Cliffe Avenue. The Chairman asked how long ago the sewer was put in and Mr. Gayer replied about two weeks . He said after it was installed they found that there wen no better- ments charged. Mr. Stevens said that a betterment could not be put on. The statute gives something whereby a charge can be made for a connection. He said he would look this up and check the lawoon it. The Chairman read copy of letter to the Bedford Mosquito Board of Selectmen from the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Control Commission advising that the Commission agreed to accept the Town of Bedford into the project if the State Reclamation Board will so reconstruct the• dis- trict. The Board will hold a hearing on the matter at Room 423 State House at 3:30 P.M. on April 25th. The Chairman read a letter from Alexander Ritchie, Driveway at 44 Bridge Street, stating that when the street was con- 44 Bridge St. structed the contractor dropped it in front of his driveway approximately ten inches. The driveway was then connected to the street with about three feet of asphalt, making it much steeper than it was originally. As a result the bumper and tailpipe of his car strikes the street. The Chairman explained that this is a condition the town automatically corrects but it was never called tot he Board' s attention before. He said that he has already mentioned the subject to Mr. Gayer. Sidewalks Letter was received from James D. Dudley, 47 Parker Street, requesting the construction of a side- walk in front of his property. The Chairman explained that the Board has put in sidewalks where the property owner requested and for which they pay one half of the cost. There are not too many such requests. Mr. James said that while the Board is discussing sidewalks, a resident of Merriam Street called his at- tention to the sidewalk at about number 20. 421 The Chairman said that Mr. Gayer has money to re- pair sidewalks, possibly under Street Maintenance. Mr. Gayer reported that there are a number of sidewalks that have not had any attention. Mrs. Morey called attention to the sidewalk. at the diner. The Chairman referred back to the request and said he would like to know how much it will cost before a decision is made. He said it should be determined whether or not there is enough money to do the side- walks that the Board has said would be done. Mr. James said that he thought the *25,000 ap- propriation should be broken down, see what can be done for that amount and then the Board will know how much money is left. Mr. Gayer said that he would have the State side- walk program in a few days. Letter was received from Martin L. Wertheim, to- SEWER gether with petition, requesting that provisions be CONNECTION made for property owners on Battle Green Road to con- nect to the sewer. The Chairman explained that the connections could not be made until the trunk line sewer is completed. 111 He stated that when these people spoke to him at the Town Meeting he advised them to submit their request early although no action could be taken until the pro- ject was completed and funds provided in the budget. He said that Mr. Gayer could have an estimate of cost prepared so the people would have an idea of what it will be. Petition was received from John J. Shine, Jr., 11 Utica Street, signed by other property owners, Sewer renewing request for installation of sewer, and asking that it be included as an item in the warrant for any Special Town Meeting. The original request was submitted with a request to have the street con- structed under the Betterment Act. The Chairman explained that the Board seldom does anything on etrebts or sewers at a Special Town Meeting, and said that both items would be considered when the budgets for 1957 are being prepared. Petition was received from Ralph J. Frissore, Petition re: et al requesting acceptance of Webb Street from Woburn Street to Dunham Street. Webb Street Mrs. Morey asked if the street is sewered and the Chairman replied in the negative, explaining that the town is just now going up there with a water main. d. 2 cn x Mrs. Morey asked if it could be sewered and Mr. James replied that he did not think so. The Chairman said that the portion of the street mentioned in the petition does not include the swampy area. Mrs. Morey said that if a new development goes in,the sewer will have to be' installed and Mr. James explained that there is no trunk line near enough. Mr. Stevens said he thought the developer could be made to put in a dry sewer and that means the town is morally obligated to put in a permanent one. Mr. Gayer explained that the main on Woburn Street is only an eight inch and is too small. The Chairman said that it might be possible to go down back through the meadow to the trunk. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Gayer make some notation whereby if a development is started the de- veloper will have to put in a sewer. The Chairman read a letter from residents on Wilson Road asking that the road be closed off at Wilson Road the school fence so that no vehicles could use the school driveway as a through way. Mrs. Morey reported that the School Department has four signs ordered to be placed at the entrances of the school property. She said after they are erected it will be a natter of police checking The Chairman said that the Board of Selectmen had nothing to do with it that it was all handled by the School Building Committee. Mr. Stevens asked if there was a driveway all. the way through and Mrs. Morey replied in the affirmative. She said that some provision had to be made for buses. The Chairman reported that people had called him about having the chain up because the street is accepted and they feel they have a right to use it. Mr. Stevens said that there is no accepted street that runs between and there is no legal right that they have to insist on the school driveway. Mrs. Morey explained that it is part of the school service to have a driveway for parents to call for and leave their children. She said she thought the signs would help. Mr. Stevens said that it seems to be a question of policy. Mr. James suggested opening the road at eight in the morning and closing it at three in the afternoon. Mrs. Morey said it seemed to her that the Board could tell the people it was figured this way in school planning to serve the greatest number of children and also tell them it was the Building Committee that did11 it this way. Mr. Tucker suggested that some publicity be given the subject in the Minute-Man. Mr. James mentioned that the Community Council is set up to take care of problems such as this involving the airport. The Chairman said that the oars could be stopped and the drivers interrogated as to where they are going to or coming from. In re possible improvements by the Lexington Field & Garden Club at the intersection of Hancock and• Revere Streets and Coolidge Avenue, Mr. Gayer is to submit some recommendations relative to curbing. Mr. Gayer reported that he has looked at the Cataldo land on East Street, Mr. Cataldo having asked the Board last week to remove loam on town land inasmuch as the street is to be widened some time. Mr. Gayer said he Cataldo req. thought it would be much simpler to wait until the re East St. street is widened and remove the loam then. The Chairman said that there is no immediate time for widening this street. Mr. Gayer Siad it is costly to put equipment up there and he recommended taking no action. Mrs. Morey said that if this request is granted there will be others. It was the unanimous opinion of the Board that the Town should not become involved. Mr. Gayer retired at 8:55 P.M. Copy of letter from the Division of Acocounts to the Tax Collector re list of accounts due the town from Reginald Roberts, Deputy Collector, was received. Mr. Stevens said that he would write a letter to Deputy Mr. Roberts and the bonding company making demand for Collector's immediate payment of the unpaid amounts. accounts Mr. Stevens retired at 9:05 P.M. Mr. Grant B. Cole met with the Board, at the Board's invitation, to discuss Civil Defense. Mr. James said that Mr. Cole had tried to impress on the town during the last several years the neces- sity of having a Civil Defense organization. Hesaid he understood that there is a good communications group but nothing else. Civil Mr. Cole said he had a good group of auxiliary Defense firemen but it is small, Mr. James said as far as he is concerned, the directive order sent out by the Governor pointed out to him a little more the seriousness of the situation and he had a few qestions. The order mentions three 4221 zones - evacuation, neutral and reception. He said he presumed Lexington is in an evacuation zone and Mr. Cole said that was correct. Mr. James asked what the local evacuation routes are and Mr. Cole replied they are 2A, 4 and pew 3. Mr. James asked if Route 128 was one and Mr. Cole replied in the negative. Mr. James asked what plans Lexington has for evacu- ation and if they were made by Lexington or by direction from theState. Mr. Cole replied there is nothing except approving the routes as chosen by the State. Mr. James said he presumed the reason for not hav- ing plans is that there is no evacuation organitation. He said the town needs two things; an organizatipn well informed, signals and a public informed. He said we have none of those at the moment and Mr. Cole said he was cor- rect. Mr. James said that Mr. Cole had made some effort in the direction of signals. Mr. Cole said he had ever since his appointment. Mr. James asked if he knows the type of signal he would like and the locations. Mr. Cole said he was asked that question every year and every year he replied that he knew the town needed something in the East Lexington area, that there skiotild be a powerful siren on the main Fire Station and a siren somewhere around. Kinneents pond area. He said the Woodhaven section should be taken care of ani now there is the Sun Valley area. Mr. James asked if he had discussed this with the Fire Commissioners and Mr. Cole replied that he did originally when he brought in the general plan which included a few hand sirens; as far as actually placing them, no. Since the last Town Meeting he talked to one of the Fire Commissioners and they are going to submit their ideas. He said this would have to be gradual so they would know what they are doing. He would like to put the warning first. Mr. James asked if it would not be fairly simple for someone to lay out a plan and locate the correct number of signals and the type. Mr. Cole said that he was originally referred to Louis Bills and the plan was based on his estimate of the cost of what would be necessary. Mr. James asked if the report gave the exact lo- cation or just generally and Mr.. Cole replied that it was general. The Chairman asked if any consideration had been given to locating sites on all of the schools and Mr. Cole replied in the negative. He said it might be a thought with less powerful sirens that he spoke of. 425 Mr. James said that there is some type of signal that can be put on utility poles with the fire alarm boxes. He said the fire boxes are located fairly close together and the signals might be tied in with the fire signals. Mr. Cole said that the Superintendent of Schools complained that they could not hear the one test which was run. Mr. James said that the town needs a good warning system, an evacuation organization and an informed public, and he would like to have a plan for getting these. Mr. Cole said that whoever is Civil Defense. Di• rector, he will need backing from the Board to get co- operation of the Department heads. The present plan at the moment for Lexington is an audible signal. The in- structions have been out for three weeks. He said that perhaps the Boy Scouts could distribute them but- if people cannot hear the signal, the instructions are of no value. He said that as far as Lexington is concerned the word is GO. Mr. James asked if there were a plan or if every- , one just starts and goes. Mr. Cole said that was it at the moment. He said if the town could provide means for the people to know, the plan could be made up. He said they could not be reached by door to door. Mr. James said they all recognized the need for the warning signal, and there is some money, whether enough or not he did not know. He said he would like Mr. Cole to come in and recommend the number and type of signals and locations. Mrs. Morey asked how much of an organization was working at the moment Ind Mr. Cole replied that it is mostly on paper. Mrs. Morey- asked how long it has been since sit attempt to organize was made and Mr. Cole replied about two years. He said that the signals will by far be the mast important. Mr. Maloney asked if there were an Assistant Di- rector and Mr. Cole said he had one good man but he told him that if anything happened, he was going to head for Maine. Mrs. Morey asked how often the communications group met and Mr. Cole replied they meet every Sunday night. He does not attend all the meetings but they bring their problems to him. Mr. Maloney asked if Mr. Cole could get one- or two people to work with him or if he thought the Board should get them. little Mr. Cole said he would like the Board to get a bit of co-operation from the Police Department and have an officer in charge of the Civil Defense 42b police. He said he thought the Fire Commissieners would be in on the Fire Department. Mr. James asked if Mr. Cole's first recommendation was signals and second an informed public, with the or- ganization as such not so important. Mr. Cole said it is not in this town. The sound tells them to go. The chairman said that the purpose of the meeting this evening was to find out how much the sirens will cost. He said that if there is a definite figure the chance of passing at Town Meeting will be better. Mr. Cole said that there is another test coping up June 21st or 23rd. The Chairman asked if Mr. Cole could come in and tell the Board the number of sirens, the type and lo- cations. o- cations. Mr. Cole said that he has asked the Board of Fire Commissioners to make their recommendations because he is not a sound expert. Mr. James said that for his own satisfaction he just wanted to know more about the subject. Mr. Cole retired at 9:15 P.M. Allen St. The following individuals met with the Board: Mr. and Mrs. Henning Swenson, Messrs. Adams, Jaquith, Hathaway, Burnell, Grindle, Martin, Abbott and Snow. The Chairman explained that Mr. and Mrs. Swenson were present on the subject of relocating Allen Street. He said that the Board held a hearing and at the time the road was forty feet wide. However, the Planning Board wanted a fifty foot street and that is why it was not presented to the Town Meeting. The Board does plan to include an article in the warrant for a Special Town Meeting for relocation and widening. He said he would like the Planning Board to explain to Mr. Swensen why they wanted a fifty foot street. Mr. Adams explained that the Planning Board has in- sisted on fifty foot roads where there are main roads, going to be more than just a side road. He said they desire a fifty foot taking even though a twenty-four foot pavement is built at the beginning. He said if it is a through road or picking up traffic it would have tp be widened later and the town should have the land and not be in the position of having to take it at a later date. He mentioned that there is a large area of undeveloped land on Allen Street and it ,is also a road leading to Route 2. He said the Planting Board feels that it is important to make this a fifty foot street and the land taken before it is built. He explained that if the town has to take if after houses are built, it will be very expensive. 42 II The Chairman asked if the Planning Board felt, on the fifty foot, if there should be a sidewalk within the fifty foot taking at the same time the street is con- structed. Mr. Adams said it will be a main street and the sidewalk should be done at the same time. Mr. Swenson said that he did not know this would be a main street. Mr. Adams explained that there is a lot of unde- veloped land and there will be streets leading off that. The Chairman explained that it will not be made a main street but it will eventually become a main street. He said that the Board feels the taking should be wide enough so that in the event houses are built it will not be necessary to take land at a later date. He said there would have to be water installed and a sidewalk con- structed. Mr. Swenson said that with the large lots there won't be many houses. The Chairman asked if Mr. Swenson had any questions and he asked how near the road would come to his house. The Chairman said that it would have to be laid out and then Mr. Swenson could meet with the Board again and see if it meets with his approval. He said that the Board would have to hold another hearing before action is taken by Town Meeting. Mr. Swenson said that would be fine. He said he talked to Mr. Carroll who will go along with him if the stone wall is put in. The Chairman said that the Board would get in touch with Mr. Swenson later. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson retired at 10:00 P.M. Mr. Adams explained the appointment requested this evening because the question of sidiwaiks came up in Town Meeting this yam' . He stated that for some time the Planning Board, in its sub-division control rules and regulations, has had the power to compel the subdivider to put. in sidewalks. Up to this point that power has not been used, but it is going to become a pressing problem. The Planning Board feels that in some of the roads, to be used by school children, that it should insist on side- walks on one side if not both sides. He said that if both Boards follow the same. policy it will be better for the town and if the Selectmen will insist on sidewalks at the same time the streets are ac- cepted, it will fall in with the Planning Board's policy. The Chairman asked if Mr. Adams was talking about sidewalks on unaccepted streets, for instance, Utica Street and Webb Street have petitions in for acceptance. He asked if sidewalks were to be required whether needed or not. 8 0.1 Mr. Adams said that is something that would have to be worked out. Mrs. Morey asked how betterments would be charged. Mr. Snow replied that the subdividers are required to pay the entire coat. Mrs. Morey asked if, on unaccepted streets, both sides would pay for the sidewalk. The Chairman said that the people whose property it goes by have to pay. Mr. James said that the theory is that the particu- lar property being benefited is the property on the side where the sidewalk is constructed. The Chairman said that possibly it could be in- cluded in the total cost of the street. Mr. Adams said that if a subdivider is required to put in a sidewalk and the subdivision comes into an ac- cepted street where there is no sidewalk half of the purpose is lost. Mr. Jaquith asked if the Board. could get an over- all picture from the Selectmen and the School Committee if there should be sidewalks on both sides if it should be left to the discretion of the Planning Board. The Chairman explained that this is the first year there has been such an appropriation for sidewalks. The Board has not gone into a study as to whether they should be installed on one side or,both sides. He said that in many instances they will have to do only. one side and get as much done as possible for the $25,000. He said he thought the Selectmen should study this more and that the Planning Board, in conjunction with the School Committee, should study it and submit recommenda- tions. The Selectmen could then decide on whether side- walks are to be installed on one side or both sides. Mr. Adams mentioned that there will be 200 or 300 houses erected on the Lidberg farm. The Chairman said that the town might be willing to appropriate more money for sidewalks ir it could be pointed out that there is a substantial saving to the town by requiring subdividers to put in sidewalks. Mr. Jaquith asked if the Board considered granite curbing. The Chairman said that the Board asks for curbing each year. Mr. Jaquith asked if it were for sidewalks and the Chairman replied that the previous Boards felt curbing should be provided for permanent sidewalks. He said that the cost is about $4.00 a foot for granite curbing. Mrs. Morey said that she was concerned about the betterment charge. The Chairman said that the Board has been assessing betterments on permanent sidewalks, but not where there is no permanent sidewalk. 429 Mr. Adams said that the Planning Board was not ask- ing the Selectmen to make a decision this evening. He asked if the cost of the sidewalk could be included in the total cost of the street construction. The Chairman said that he would like to ask Town Counsel for a ruling on that. He said that the sidewalk goes with the property it abuts. 11 dr. Adams said that the next ,item to discuss brief- ly is House Bill No. 836 and he presented each member of the Board with a copy. he explained that it is an House Bill attempt to set up a regional planning body which would 836 have a representative from every city and town.. He said that the Planning Board discussed the Bill somewhat last week but did not vote or take a definite stand on it. He said the Board's attention should be called tb it because of the added cost to the town if it goes through. The Chairman asked if the Planning Board was going to oppose it and Mr. Adams replied that it has not gone that far as yet. Mr. Adams said that the neat item is Redcoat Lane. Mr. Snow said he would like more details as to what the questions were in regard to drainage. Drainage The Chairman said that drain was dropped in the middle of two lots and the water goes all over the prop- erty. The Board thought the contractor could be held, but in looking over the plan there is nothing on the plan for the drain. He said it was left with Mr.. Gayer to find the best solution to drain the property and then get an easement to have the street accepted. Mr. Snow said he thought the contractor would be very glad to clarify the situation. He said that sec- tion 3 of this road, although not on record,, shows a connecting drain. The Chairman said that there are two manholes but nothing showing where the water was going after it came out of the manhole. The drain is there but does not show on the plan. The people want it extended to at least the end of the longest let to where the brook is. Mr. Adams said that there may be an opportunity to take care of it when the developer comes in with section. 3. He suggested that it be left with the Planning Board to find out what can be done with Mr. DiCarlo. Mr. Adams said that the last item for discussion is M1. The Chairman said that two members of the Board of x 430 Sal Selectmen were not present at the hearing this morning and they should have an opportunity to read the minutes. The Planning Board retired at 10:30 P.M. Letter was received from the Board of Fire Com- Deputy Fire missioners relative to a more constant surveillance of Wardens burning in the town in an effort to cut down the num- ber of grass fires. The Chairman said he assumed the Commissioners were referring to appointment of Deputy Fire Wardens, and it was agreed to invite Roy Cook, Fire Warden, to meet with the Board and discuss the subject. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. James, Permit it was voted to grant permission to the First Parish Church to use an amplifier outside the building for the purpose of making announcements and providing mus1a in conjunction with a fair to be held on May 5th. Mr. Maloney reported that Father. Murphy contacted him relative to the damage to the lawn at the Sacred Damage by Heart Church on April 19th. He said he was going to horses ask Mr. Brenton to replace the sod and fix the lawn. The Chairman explained that the damage was caused by horses owned by John Brucchi. He was not invited to participate and was not part of the parade. Mr. Tucker asked why Mr. Brucchi should not be responsible. Mrs.. Morey said that the damage should be referred to Mr. Brucchi before anything is done by the town. Mr. Tucker reported that Richard Soule, .16 Ranoock toning Street, has a sign 2t x 3t advertising his contracting business.. The Chairman said that he would speak to Mr. Irwin, Building Inspector, about the sign, which is a zoning violation. The meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.M. A true record, Attest: / ) / , i e tiv!//Clerk Hole° en.