Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1956-02-13-BOS-min 338A SELECTMENtS MEETING February 13, 1956 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmenta Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening, February 13, 1956 at 7:30 P.M. Chair- man Bateman, Messrs. Gay, James and Maloney were pre- sent. Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone Pole location and Telegraph Company for permission to relocate one pole on Lowell Street. Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Com- pany, was the only person present at the hearing. Mr. Mahon explained that the pole is to be moved from in front of the gas pumps down to the lot line which will permit easier access to the pumps. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the Order for the following pole relocation: Lowell Street, southeasterly side approximately 115 feet southeast of Woburn Street. One pole. (One existing j/o pole to be removed) Mr. Mahon referred t o proposed illumination for the new parking area and explained that the present plans call for 2500 lumen lamps. He recalled that it was men- tioned that 2500 lumen was inadequate for Edison Way and might also be inadequate in the new parking area. He then suggested installing 2500 lumen and later changing to Illumination 6,000. for parking The Chairman mentioned placing shades on the lights area and Mr. Mahon said that a shade might help. It would kill the light in back of the shade and does not reflect the light. The company does not like shades as they more or less defeat the purpose of street lighting. Mr. Maloney suggested trying the 2500 lumen and if they prove unsatisfactory changing to 6, 000. Mr. Mahon stated that when he said /4, 000 lumen lamps could be used it was on the basis that they would be a series circuit. However, he now finds out that they are on a multiple circuit. If they now install 2500 lumen lamps and use a certain type of head on the fixture that 338B is all right. If the Board desires to increase the capacity later to 14, 000 lumen lamps it will require changing the entire head on each lamp because they are multiple. That will involve a charge for labor of $16,00 per lamp, and there are nine lamps, to- gether with a charge of about $30.00 per lamp for the new fixture. There is no salvage for the old fixtures.. If the Board desires now to order the 11,000 lumen lamps before any construction is done, the only charge would be for the additional -running of the bur1,g of the lamp which is less than 22/ per night per lamp. The Board was unanimously in favor of installing 11,000 lumen lamps before construction is started. Mr. Mahon retired at 7:50 P.M. Mr. Leeland McConchie met with the Board relative Diana Lane to proposed acceptance by Town Meeting of Diana Lane. The Chairman explained that the situation is such that the Board does not know what to do about the accep- tance of. Diana Lane because, on the face of it, it ap- pears as if the Selectmen were in a conspiracy due to the fact that the only signatures on the petition for acceptance are those of Mr. McConchie and his wife. He said the Board understands he intended to pave the street originally but was prevented by a suit in equity. He stated that the Board would like to have Diana Lane paved and it should be for the good of the entire area, but doubted if Town Meeting would approve. He said that the only way it can be done is for Mr. McConchie to stand the expense of the road if it is that important to him. He stated that the Board knew he was going to do certain things per an agreement. Mr. McConchie said according to the agreement it has a gravel road with no blacktop. He said the ori- ginal request was filed before the June Town Meeting but not in time to be included in the warrant . At that time he owned two other houses there on Diara Lane which have been sold. He said he purchased some expensive property down over the hill with access on Massachusetts Avenue and Cedar Street so he is not too concerned about Diana Lane. He ,said all he wants to say is that he is in favor of having it paved, but it it is not accepted he will not be upset. Mr. Maloney asked if he were obligated to, pave it and Mr. McConchie replied that he was in the beginning of the development. Part of their property is on the new development and part on the old development. He said he had the contract all let to Rupert Stevens to pave down to Hill Street. He said the road is still in 338C the rough and will never be suitable because of the wash there. He said it is getting rougher and he did not know who would maintain it. The Chairman asked if Mr. McConchie could see the Board' s position and he replied in the affirmative. The Chairman said that the only way for the town to do it is for the Board to declare it is necessary for the good of the public and the cost would have to be borne by Mr. McConchie. Mr. McConchie said that according to a letter from Mr. Northrup he will be sued whether the town accepts the street or not. He said he would leave it up to the Board and would not be disappointed if it does not go through, but he is in favor of it. Mr. Maloney asked if Mr . McConchie had an agreement with the Planning Board and he replied that he did not have any agreement on the old section. He said it was his own idea to do it, and at that time he would have charged it off to other properties in there but it is too late now. He said it would be all right with him if the Board decided to take no action this year. Mr. McConchie retired at 8 20 P.M. Letter was received from the Town Celebrations Article Committee together with proposed article to be inserted in the Warrant. The Chairman called Mr. Lewis, Chairman of the Committee, and discussed the subject with him. It was finally agreed to change the number of the Committee members from fifteen to nine. Petition was received from property owners on Petition for Wilson Road requesting abatement of street betterment abatement assessments because the construction of the new school has changed the road from a dead-end to a busy thorough- fare, and is being used by all citizens of Lexington. Mr. Stevens suggested advising that the petition was filed too late to be considered as a stridt applica- tion for abatement and in any event all the streets con- structed in town under the Betterment Act are used not only by those individuals who live on them but by many more. Mr. Stevens read a letter relative to the loca- tion of a National Guard Unit in Lexington. It was National agreed that Mr. Stevens would report back that the Guard Unit Selectmen are favorably inclined but know of no place in the town that would be suitable and if an appointment is desired to discuss the subject, the Board will be pleased to make one. 338D The Chairman read a letter from C. S. Tuck, 16 Drainage Spring Street, complaining about a storm drain located at the base of his driveway. Mr. Gayer said that hd had inspected the property and the drain should be raised but not moved. He said he did not feel justified in recommending spending sev- eral hundred dollars to move the catch basin. He said he would, however, have it raised in the Spring. Drainage Letter was received from John C. McFarland, 481 Concord Avenue complaining about water in front of his property. Mr.Gayer reported that to correct the situation is quite a project and would be expensive. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. McFarland that the budgets for 1956 are now final and the warrant is closed so it is too late to include an appropriation for this year, but the item will be considered when the budgets are prepared for 1957. Dictaphone Letter was received from the Dictaphone Corporation quoting a price of $399, without Federal Excise Tax, for a Dictaphone Time-Master Combination dictating-transcrib- ing machine. A lengthy letter was received from Stanley C. Rowland Ave. Ballard, 2 Rowland Avenue, suggesting location of a sidewalk sidewalk on the south side of the -paved street. The Chairman was authorized to advise that the Board does not contemplate construction of a sidewalk and discussion of same will be taken up at a later date. Mr. Gayer reveiwed the regulations governing the Dump dump on Lincoln Street and asked if it was the Board' s intent to have a gate put up there. Mr. Maloney said it was the Board' s intention to have the dump properI rfenced in. Mr. Gayer explained that there is no money approp- riated for a fence and the pickers are becoming offen- sive to the public. He asked if it were agreeable to the Board for the town employee to pick the dump. M James replied that he would have no objection providing he did his job. He asked what type of autho- rity the man on duty should have and Mr. Gayer replied that that is forth° police. He said the attendant should be made a Special Police or call the police when he runs into trouble. Mr. Maloney said that the first thing to do is to have a fence put up and a gate installed. He said that then there should be a shelter for the attendant and if necessary have a telephone installed in it so that he could call the police. He suggested that Mr. Gayer spend 338E the money out of the Dump account and if it runs short at the end of the year, a transfer will have to be re- quested. Letter was received from Robert Jeremiah, Wire Vacation Inspector, advising that he has not had a vacation in two years and plans to take one from February 22nd un- til March 9th or 10th. A short discussion was held re vacations for part-time employees and it was agreed to disapprove the sum of $120 included in the Plumbing Inspectorts Personal Services budget which was to provide for a Substitute Inspector. Mr. Gayer retired at 10:00 P.M. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. James, it was unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Donald E. Appointment Nickerson a member of the Board of Appeals for the to Board of unexpired term ending March 31, 1957 to fill the ftac- Appeals ancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Errol H. Locke. Letter was received from Edward R. Reid, 72 Tax title Pleasant Street, offering $1200 for lots 30 and 31 property Hillcrest Street. The price established for these lots some time ago was $1900 including betterments. Mr. Maloney suggested deferring action until he had had an opportunity to determine whether or not the lots, which are only fifty feet, can be built upon. Letter was received from the board of Public Wel- fare requesting approval of an expenditure of $73.814 from a Trust Fund to pay for hospitalization and moving ex- penses incurred by Pedro and Anna Torres, formerly of Transfer 63 Westview Street, who were burned out of their home on December 28th. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to request the Trustees of Public Trusts to approve an expenditure from one of the trust funds to pay for the expenses incurred. Letter was received from Mrs. Cheever, Secretary of the Town CelebrationsCommitt ee , requesting 3 re 10 for t ng � postage stamps. Letter from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Com- Liquor mission re Chapter 197 of the Acts of 1952 pertaining License to the issuance of another liquor license .was held over from last week. It was agreed to take no action until after the March election when the personnel of the Board would be changed. 338F Letter was received from William H. McNamara, 9 Police Wildwood Road, describing an incident that happened to Mrs. McNamara when she needed aid of the police cruiser which was not given. A detailed report is to be requested for the next meeting of the Board. Bus route Petition was received from the Middlesex & Boston Street Railway Co. for permission to operate motor vehicles for hire in both directions on route 128 between Bedford Street and the Lexington-Waltham line including ramps at exits 36 and 37, at Bedford Street exits 38 and 39, at Marrett Road exits j0 and )}1 at Concord Turnpike. Before taking any action on the petition, the Board would like to discuss the subject with a rep- resentative of the company. Barnes Letter was received from Miss Mary M. Fuller, property 12 Hayes Avenue, requesting permission, on behalf of the Kiwi Club (former American Airline Stewardesses) to use the Barnes property for a rummage sale on April 114, 1956. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to grant the request. Sunday Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by M1. Maloney, Movies it was voted to sign a Sunday Movie License for the Lexington Theatre. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, Warrant it was voted to sign the Warrant for the Annual Elec- tion, March 5, 1956 and the Adjourned Town Meeting, March 19, 1956. Orders of Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted Layout to sign Orders of Layouts on the following Streets: Bernard Street, Calvin Street, Eldred Street, Grapevine Avenue, Rowland Avenue, Daniels Street, Ivan Street, Westwood Street, Mill Brook Road, Redcoat Lane, Locke Lane, Flintlock Road, Fiske Road, Whipple Road, Diana Lane, Nichols Road, Jackson Court, Blake Road, Henderson Road, Pearl Street, Arcola Street, Donald Street, Wallis Court. Letter was received from Mrs. Chester Cook, Sec- retary of the Lexington Field and Garden Club, ad- vising that the plaque to be placed in Emery Park in honor of Mr. Frederick L. Emery will be a stone 338G surface 18" long and 10" wide with the inscription Plaque for "Frederick L. Emery Park Named to Honor a Leader in Emery Park Civic Improvements". The Chairman was authorized to advise Mrs . Cook that the proposed plaque and inscription was approved by the Board. Letter was received from Maurice F. Shaughnessy requesting permission, on behalf of the Sun Valley Use of hall Associates, Inc. , to conduct a meeting in Estabrook Hall on April 2, 1956 from 8:00 P.M. until 11:00. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to grant the use of the hall free of charge but subject to a fee of $1.50 per hour for janitor' s overtime services. The meeting adjourned at 10:L45 P.M. A true record, Attest: ler ,, S ectm