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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1955-04-25-BOS-min 33 SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 25, 1955 A regular 'meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Seldetmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, April 25, 1955 at 7:00 P.M. Chairman Bateman, Messrs. Reed, Gay, Maloney and James were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works, and the Clark were also present. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Boston Edison Company, for permission to relocate -one pole on Hill Street. Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Com- pp pany Mr. Leeland G. McConchie and Mr. S. Richard location Childerhouse were present at the hearing. Mr. Mahon explained that the proposed relocation will improve the company' s operating conditions. Mr. Childerhouse said that he lives at 8 Diana Lane and assumes that the proposed change is for the convenience of installing service for Diana Lane. He said that he is interested only in the schedule of re- moving the pole from one side to another and whether or not there would be any interference with the trees. Mr. Mahon stated that he was very certain there would not be any interference. Mr. Childerhouse said that he assumed lines could not be run from the new location to pole #327 which is the one up Diana Lane, but would run on other poles. Mr. Mahon explained that the section would be much too long. Mr. Childerhouse said that he is not objecting and in fact thought the idea was a good one. The hearing was declared closed and Messrs. Childerhouse and McConchie retired. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the petition for the following pole location: Hill Street, westerly side, opposite Diana Lane, One pole. (One existing j/o pole on easterly side to be removed) At 7:03 P.M. hearing was declared open upon peti- tion of the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company ' and the Boston Edison Company for permission to locate one pole on Waltham Street. 34 Or Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Com- Pole pany, was the only person present at the hearing. He location explained that this petition concerns an existing Edison pole which the company desires to make jointly owned. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to grant the petition for the following pole location: Waltham Street, southeasterly side, approxi- mately 560 feet northeast of Lexington- Waltham line. One pole. Mr. Mahon retired at 7:10 P.M. and Chief John W. Rycroft met with the Board. The Chairman explained that the Chief had been invited to meet with the Board this evening relative to accidents on Muzzey Street. He also referred to Traffic Supt. Smith' s letter of April 11th on the same subject. Muzzey St. The Chief referred to Mr. Smith's statement that the "No Parking* signs on Muzzey Street are constantly violated and stated that these signs were only painted about three weeks ago. He explained that the poles have been changed so that they are now at an angle and since the change there have been no violations. He said that he could not have cars towed away merely be- cause someone parked them there. He explained the first offense is $1.00; second $2.00; thirds $3.00 and fourth $1 .00. He stated that all he can do is make the offenders pay the fines. He stated that the question of making Muzzey Street one-way has been debated for years, and it would be difficult. However, he said he could request the State Department of Public Works to look the corner over, make a survey and then decide whether it should be one-way or not. He emphasized that the accidents on Muzzey Street all involve local drivers. He said the corner is wide enough and there doesn't seem to be too much speed, but one driver will not wait for another driver. He mentioned one instance of speed and reported that the driver' s license has been taken away Chief Rycroft said that the telephone company will be moving out before long. They have sixty operators and most of them drive cars. He suggested waiting until after the exchange is closed. The Chairman asked for his recommendation and the Chief said that Muzzey Street could be made one-way from Forest Street to Park Drive, going towards the school. Furthermore, a survey could be made to determine 35 whether the State Department of Public Works would approve Stop and Enter signs. Mr. Reed stated that he thought the Stop signs would have to be only going into Muzzey Street from Forest Street and not on all four corners. He said that apparently this problem had been postponed for years and he thought some definite action should be taken. He said that if a survey is necessary to permit Muzzey Street being one-way, it should be started im- mediately, and he personally felt it should be one-way. Mr. James said that whatever is decided in regard to Mnazey Street will affect Forest and Clarke Streets and he felt the project should be studied as a unit. Mr. Gay suggested making Muzzey Street one-way right to Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Reed said that if anything is to be done on Muzzey Street, something would have to be done about Forest and Clarke Streets. The Chairman said that the answer appears to be making a survey from Waltham Street to Clarke Street and down Park Drive. Reference was made to Mr. William Roger Greeley' s letter suggesting that parking be prohibited in front of the Hunt Block. The Chief said that he did not see what could be gained and the Chairman stated that instead of one lane -of traffic going north during rush hours there would be two lanes. The Chief said it would hhlp the situation in that particular location but .questioned making such a move when the Town is seeking another parking area. He stated that the congestion is for only an hour or an hour and a half and suggested eliminating parking be- Parking on tween the hours of )4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. Mass. Ave. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at the meeting. at Hunt Mr. James said that if it would help the parking Block problem, some action should be taken. Mr. Burns explained that before meters were in- stalled on Massachusetts Avenue there was considerable discussion in regard to locations and this same ques- tion was brought up at that time. He said that the Board should be prepared for reaction. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to eliminate parking in front of the Runt Block between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. This change is to be experimental and not an amendment to the Traffic Rules and Regulations at the present time. Mr. Burns suggested no left turn into the O'Connell parking area, but said that it would be questionable as PCJ it is the only access to the property which is private.. Mr. Stevens retired. Sealed bids for two cars to be used by the Police Department were received as follows: Bids on police cars Frederic R. Childs - 6 cylinder Ford Mainline Tudor equipped with heater, turn signals and seat covers. $2105 Allowance on 1951a Ford Tudor l� Net V8 $75.00 extra 60 amp. generator with a Leece-Neville alternator and rectifier kit 125 6 cylinder Ford Mainline Tudor equipped with heater, turn signals and seat covers 2105 Allowance on 1953 Ford Tudor 100 Net IIDD V8 $75.00 extra 60 amp.. generator with a Leece-Neville alternator and rectifier kit 125 Rowe-Jackson Chevrolet Inc. - 1955 Chevrolet 6 cylinders, Model 1503, 150 Series, four door Sedan 1835.65 Directional signals -- -- Plastic seat covers 21500 Option-325Q heavy duty generator & regulator 1}0 amp. 80.70 Airflow heater & defroster 65.00 40705 Less Federal Tax 121.00 1tSCSb.35 Mr. Reed telephoned Rowe-Jackson and reported that the price on a two-door would be $1{7 less. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to authorize purchase of the following two cars to be used by the Police Department: Frederic R. Childs 6 cylinder. Ford Mainline Tudor, equipped with heater, turn signals and seat covers $2105 37 60 amp. generator with a Leece-Neville $2105 alternator and rectifier kit 12 Allowance on 195h Ford Tudor 255 Net cost to Town -875 Rowe-Jackson Chevrolet Inc. 6 cylinder, two door sedan equipped with directional signals, plastic seat covers, heavy duty generator and regulator !10 amp. , heater and defroster 1839.35 Allowance on 195 , Ford 3 .00 Net cost to Town ]LC Chief Rycroft retired at 8:07 P.M. Mr. Anthony Cataldo and his son met with the Board in regard to use of their land which they desire to have filled with rubbish from the Town of Arlington. The son presented aerial photographs, a letter Cataldo from the Department of Agriculture and explained in dump detail that they would like to do. When the land in question has been filled in they intend to use it for farming purposes. Rev. Father Bernard Kinneen met with the Board at 8:20 P.-M. He too is seeking permission to have the Town of Arlington dump on his property on Vine Street. The Chairman explained that since he talked to Father Kinneen this evening he has learned that he was correct and the Board of Selectmen probably had no Kinneen right to render a decision at this time, However, dump the Board did last week and apparently the informa- tion was transmitted to both Mr. Cataldo and Father Kinneen. Mr. Cataldo said that it was at the suggestion of the Board of Health that he was meeting with the Selectmen. Father Kinneen said that he wanted to meet with the Board this evening to present his own views on the matter. He explained that he approached the Town of Arlington. The Town of Arlington did not approach him, and he asked if they were interested in filling his meadows which are and have been for years a mess due to the sewer going through by the Town and the M.D.C. He said it has spoiled his land and house and also the Leary land. He said he has tried every way by talking to the contractors and the Attorney General to have the land put back as it was, tillable. It is now 38 C' C"" nothing but a bog and swamp. He said the contractor throws up his hands and the State passes things from one to another and ad- vises him that he can only sue the contractor and the State. However, he is not suing anyone. He said he called Mr. Monahan and asked if he would be interested inffilling the land. Mr. Monohan and his Chief Engineer looked it over and said if they could get a green light from the Town of Lex- ington they would go ahead. They would function the same as they have in Arlington and would be through in a year. Father Kinneen said he then appealed to Mr. Maloney and before he spoke to the Board last week he wrote to the Board of Health and the Board of Appeals, it being his understanding that they are independent Boards. He said he was surprised that the Board of Selectmen made a decision over the heads of the Boards they appointed. He said that it looks to him as Utile decision was made and it is to go down the line and the arguments given to him in opposition were absurd. Father Kinneen read a letter that he circulated in the neighborhood and asked the people to affix their signatures if they were not opposed. He stated that his purpose is not to farm the land but to fill it in and plant some apple trees. The Chairman said that the matter should go to the Board of Health and Board of Appeals. Mr. Stevens said that the Selectmen have the right to appear before the Board of Appeal sand make their opinions known Mr. Maloney asked if the procedure was to go to the Board of Appeals and the Board of Health but as citizens the Selectmen could appear before either Board; the decision not resting with the Selectmen. Mr. Stevens replied in the affirmative. Father Kinneen and the Cataldos retired at 8:10 P.M. Miss Mary Chiesa, 42 AdamsStreet, and her brother .Tohn Chiesa met vi th the Board relative to deferred Chiesa sewer sewer betterment assessment in the amount of $825.79. betterment Mr. Chiesa presented a map showing the property involved and explained that since the deferment he has built a house on the land and according to his under- standing the betterment is now due. However, he has not subdivided the entire area. Mr. Reed asked if he felt he did not want to pay a betterment on the entire 161 feet and Mr. Chiesa re- plied in the affirmative. 39 Mr. Reed asked if the 361 feet went with the house and Mr. Chiesa replied in the affirmative and stated that he has not blocked it off. Mr. Reed asked if he intended to block it off and he replied in the negative. Mr. Reed explained that if he did, he could then request deferment on the balance of the frontage. Mr. Stevens explained that Mr. Chiesa would have to have the Planning Board sign a plan showing the fron- tage he intends to allot to the house and also showing the frontage remaining, allowing 150 feet for the house. Mr. Chiesa asked if he would have to record the plan and Mr. Stevens replied that he should record it. Miss Chiesa explained that her brother would like to pay the 150 foot frontage and then have the balance deferred. Mr. Burns explained that a legal size lot would have to be recorded or the Planning Board would not ap- prove it. The Chiesats retired at 8:50 P.M. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Com- Pole location pany and the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company requesting approval of a j/o pole location on Lowell Street. The proposed location was approved by Mr. Burns. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to approve the petition and sign the Order for the following pole location: Lowell Street, westerly aide, opposite Summer Street - 1 pole. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Com- pany and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Com- Pole location party requesting approval of pole abandonment on Woburn Street. The proposed abandonment was approve by Mr. Burns. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to approve abandonment of the following j/oo pole: Northerly side of Woburn Street, approxi- mately 210 feet east of Leonard Road. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Com- Pole pany and the New England Telephone Company for ap- ownership proval of a transfer of ownership for an existing pole transfer on Locust Avenue . Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Gay, 40 it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order for the following pale: Locust Avenue , approximately 70 feet southwest of Massachusetts Avenue, - One pole. Letter was received from the County Commissioners Chapt. 90 advising that a hearing will be held at the Commis- sioners' Office on May 24th at 10:30 A.M. relative to petition for specific repairs of the newway in Lexing- ton known as Winchester Drive. Petition re: Petition was received from residents of Daniels Daniels St. Street requesting acceptance of the street by the Town. This project is to be included in the budget for 1956 and the lark was instructed to give a copy of the petition to the Superintendent of Public Works. Letter was received from the State Department of Public Works advising that the Commissioners have voted to install a fully actuated traffic control signal at Traffic the intersection of Woburn Street and Lowell Street, signal provided the Town of Lexington has no objection. The signal will only be used until such time as Route 3 is extended to the south, at which time the signal_ will either be removed or turned over to the town, according to the situation. The Chairman was authorized to advise the Depart- ment that the Board of Selectmen are in favor of the proposed traffic signal Installation. Notice was received from the City of Waltham re hearing May 4th at 8:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber on Waltham petition for a proposed change of zone from Residence zoning A-3 District to Business B. District of a certain par- cel of land bounded southerly by Trapelo Road. The,Chairmari said he would like to know who was notified in re this hearing and upon receipt of this information, the Board could go on from there if it is so desired. Further consideration was given to Mrs. Core' s re- quest to have a crab apple tree removed from in front Tree of her property at 38 Grove Street. The Clerk reported removal that Mr. Brenton, Shade Tree Division, investigated and advised that the tree is in private property. The Chairman was authorized to inform Mrs. Gore that the town has no jurisdiction over the tree inas- much as it is located on private property. A� y 41 Further consideration was given to request from Morris Motors to have a tree removed from in front of Tree 400 Waltham Street. Mr. Brenton, Shade Tree Division, removal recommended removing the tree rather than merely trim- ming it. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to post the tree for removal. Mr. Burns retired at 10:15 P.M. Letter was received from the Boa''d of Retirement, Building with copy of letter to Mr. Lindstrom, designating his Inspector present status. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to appoint Donald K. Irwin, Acting Building Inspector in the Town of Lexington effective March 18, 1955 for a term expiring October 1, 1955 at a saIa"y of $100 per week. During this period, Mr. Irwin is to have an outside Building Inspector make all 'inspectioris in- sofar as his private business is concerned. The Chairman read a letter from Edwin B. Worthen, Jr. submitting his resignation as an Associate Member Resignation of the Board of Appeals. Letter was received from Dorothy H. Martin, on behalf of the Sacred Heart Women' s Club, requesting permission to operate a Pepsi-Cola Canteen at the Canteen Barnes property during the hours of the rummage sale on April 30th. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to grant the request. Letter was received from Mrs. Jean MacLean, on be- half of the Methodist Church, requesting permission to Ru*mage use the Barnes property on May 14th for a rummage sale. gale Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded, by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the request. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted License to renew the following licenses& renewals Manor Spa 269 Bedford St. Sunday Sales renewal Geo. R. Reed & Son 1721 Mass. Ave« Vernon S. Rivet 135 Burlington Rd. Junk George H. Phe]an 11 Cary Street Peddler �* (Letter from ( hief) Letter was received from Chief Ryoroft recommend- Special ing appointment of eight employees of the Lincoln Lab- Police oratories as Special Police Officers. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Maloney, L 42 it was voted to appoint the following individuals as Special Police Officers for terms expiring March 31, 1955. Special Police Officers - M.I.T. at Lincoln Laboratories Mr. Ivers J. Rutherford 39 Mount Hood Rd. , Brighton Mr. William L. Spiers 188 Lowell Street, Lexington Mr. Henry Crowninshield 7 Paul Avenue, Woburn Mr. Christian Larsen 140 Thoreau St. , Concord Mr. Edward T. Gallagher 177 Main St. , Maynard Mr. George F. Cheney 73 Chestnut St. , North Reading Mr. Raymond L. MacLean 16 Cypress Rd. , Arlington Mr. Edward A. Richardson 3h Lexington St. , Wilmington Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Maloney, Referendum it was voted` to sign the Warrant calling a referendum for May 9, 1955, pursuant to petition received signed by the required number of voters. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt Orders of Taking on the following streets ac- Street cepted at the Annual March Meeting, 1955: Bertwell Orders Road, Bridge Street, Fuller Road, Crosby Road, Sherburne Road, Brandon Street, Fottler Avenue and Hayes Avenue. (Copies of Orders under Highways, 1955 Selectmen's files) Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted School St. to sign notice of intention to lay out School Street & northeasterly a distance of approximately 21400 feet Proposed Rd. from Marrett Road at Lincoln Street to Massachusetts Avenue and Proposed Road from Bedford Street to Massa- chusetts Avenue, southwesterly, a distance of approxi- mately 1930 feet. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Appointment to re-appoint Mr. George C. Sheldon a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners for a three-year term ex- piring May 1, 1958. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 P.M. A true record, Attest: . / 4L& . ' , Clerk, S ectmeh G