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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1950-12-11-min 297 SELECTMEN'S MEETING December 11, 1950 A regular meeting of the Board of Select- men w' s held in the selectmen's room, Town :Office Building on Monday evening, vecember 11, 1950, at 7;00 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs . Gay, Dris- coll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present . The Clerk was also present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works, rnd Chief Rycroft met with the Board . Mr. Burns referred to the Communication received bTthe Board relative to the possibility Parkin of changing the time parking meters are in oper- g etion and the possibility of removing them from Meters some of the side streets . He said that inas- much as the Chief of Police will have to enforce the regulations he thought he should be present this evening during the discussion. Chief Rycroft stated that he has no quarrel in changing from eight o 'clock to nine o'clock, but he could not see where such a change would be of any benefit. Be said that between eight and nine in the morning there is any amount of parking space available and he did not think the volume of business at that hour was very great. He further st. ted thLt the change will necessitate changing the present signs, installing new plates and changing the Rules and Regulations . Ile said that he would have no objection if he cbulcosee any good reason for a change. The Chairman asked if the Chief had any ba- sic objection and he replied in the negative. The Chairman asked, if for any other reason the Board felt it would like to try the change, the Chief would object. He replied in the negative and said that it will mean obtaining 120 new plates. Mr. Gay said that he thought the main com- plaint was from people who like to stop for a pap- er or at the Post Office on their way to Boston and asked if the regulations were strictly enforced between eight and nine in the morning. The Chief replied th. t they are not strictly enforeed because he does not have the manpower. Mr. Gay siad that people feel they have to put money in the meter even if they just go into the store for a paper . Mr. Hoyt stated that twelve minutes only cost 11 one penny. 298 The Chief said that there were over 500 ,C violations last month, which is the highest since the meters were installed. Mr. Hoyt said thLt there is always room at Emery Park at that time of day. Mr. Driscoll inquired as to how this prob- lem is handled in other towns and the Chief replied that afew operate meters from nine' until siA, but the majority operate from eight until six. He said the reason is to educate the cle ks in the stores to put their cars away before they go to work. The Chairman asked if, as a matter of policy the Board felt from the point of view of public relations and from the point, of view of making the Chamber of Commerce happy even if in the Chief's opinion it would be of no particular improve- ment, the Board decided to change would the Chief have any basic objection. Hs replied in the neg- ative . The Chairman said that even though it is a- greed that parking meters are a necessary evil, the Board might feel it would be better to give a little if it will make people feel better about them. He said that if the Chamber of Commerce will feel better having them start at nine rather than eight, the Board might give it serious con- sideration. The Chief said that he has no strong objec- tion and further stated that the meters have been in operation only since April and he does not think they have been given a fair trial. He asked if the time were changed from eight to nine would there be other requests for more changes . He said thft any change would be entirely up to the Board of Selectmen and it will not make any difference insofar as he is concerned whether the meters are operated from eight or nine otclock. The Chairman said that the Board would like to know if there would be any bad features if the meters were operated from nine o' clock from enforce- ment point of view. The Chief replied in the negative and said that he could not sEy whether the clerks would take advantage of the change or not but he felt sure they would. The Chairman asked if he thought the clerks would leave their cars on the street all day. The Chief replied in the negative and said the center would not oe as clear as it is now. The Chairman asked if the Chief thought it would be proper to request the Chamber of Commerce to ask the clerks not to leave their cars on the street. 299 The Chief replied that if the Board decides to make the dhange he would suggest letting the subject lie for a while. If he finds that it is not working out well, he will advise the Board and then a letter could be written to the Chamber of Commerce. The Chairman asked how the Chief felt with re- spect to the side streets. The Chief said that he is probably in a little different position from the Board. fte said that the Selectmen do not hear about things until someone has a "gripe." He said that a number of people have stopped in at his office and told him how very pleased they are with the condition of Grant Street. He said that a survey was made in a number of towns and cities and the only way to control parking on side streets other than have a police officer on duty, was the installation of parking meters. The Chairman said that, with reference to the meters on Grant Street, the town is paying 41,200 for a better situation with practically no revenue. Mr. Burns said that the greatest advantage is in the winter when the street has to be plowed. The Chairman asked if the Chief felt the same, equally about other side streets and he replied in the affirmative. He said that he thinks Meriam Street is definitely in a much better condition since the meters were installed. The Chairman asked if the Chief had any feel- ing about utilizing the old fire station lot on Mer- iam Street. The Chief replied that he is not too familiar with the size of the lot owned by the Town but he has noticed that it is used as a parking area. The Chairman asked if he would have any objec- tions to the area adjacent to the library being used as a parking area and he replied In the negative. 4 . Gay asked if the cars going in and out would create a traffic hazard and the Chief replied that he did not wish to appear to be facetious but he doubted very much if people would walk that distance to the stores . He said that he would like to have a park- ing area on Clarke Street but he doubted very much if it would be used. Mr. Burns said that it will cost between 41,200 and 41,500 to make a parking space on the library property. The Chairman read another letter from Charles Starr, 8 Plymouth Road, with reference to the inter- section of Tower Road and Massachusetts Avenue. 300 cc The Chief said that an effort is being made to have the State erect a stop and enter sign on Marrett Road. Registrar King sent two men out last week and they inspected the records of all accidents which have occurred in this vicinity. The engineers also prepared a diagram of both in- tersections showing the terrain. The inspectors could not find anything in this area that they considered out of reason and said thrt it is no different than hundreds or thousands of other streets in Massachusetts. They went down to the area one afternoon and studied traffic conditions from four o ' elock until five-thirty and said they could not see anything out of the ordinary. Ile said that he idd think if the wattage of the street light opposite Tower Road were in- creased it might help. The Chief retired at 7:30 P. M. Mr. Burns informed the Board that, during the last three or four weeks, there have been a number of complaints about the garbage collection. Garbage He said that last week was not so bad, but prey- Collection sous to that there were quite a few. The Chairman said that Mr. Burns had brought this up tonight at his suggestion and he thought possibly the Board should advise 1r. Connors that the complaints were running higher than usual and ask if he cared to make any comment or meet with the Board. The Board agreed and the Chairman said thrt he would write to Connors . Mr. Stevens arrived at the meeting at 7:00 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Robert G. Allen, 253 Bedford Street, asking the Board to reconsider the assessment levied on his proper- Allen s ty at the corner of Ledgelawn Avenue. Betterment Mr. Burns explained thrt he was assessed the Assessment difference between the frontage on Bedford Street and the frontage on Ledgelawn Avenue. he said the land was of no value, but the assessment was based on the fact that this has been the policy in assessing corner lots. The Board agreed to look at the area on Sat- urday morning. Palmer The Chairman read a letter from Mr. P. K. Betterment Palmer, 37 Liberty Avenue, asking for a liberal Assessment abatement on the assessment levied against his property. 301 Mr. Burns explained the situation by use of a plan and said that he thought Mr. Palmer had a legitimate complaint. The Board agreed to look at this on Satur- day morning. Mr. Burns presented a plan entitled "Traffic Study Plan of Intersection of Revere and Hancock Traffic Streets ." He recommended an island with curbing Island and suggested one-way traffic from Coolidge Pve- jHancock & nue and from Hancock Street to Revere street. Revere Sts. Inasmuch as the proposed solution will cost between $1,000 and $1,500, Mr. Burns suggested that this be considered as a 1951 project. Letter was received from Mr. Francis Culbert- son, 62 Harding Road, claiming that Harding Road Culbertson drains into his driveway and from there into his Drainage cellar. Complaint Mr. burns said that at least on two occasions the Town has put in a birm which took care of the situation. He said that it is not so much the faul- ty grading of the street, as claimed by Mr. Culbert- son, as it is the location of his garage. He said that if the shoulders are raised he does not know how he will get the water out of his cellar. MX'. Burns agreed to talk to Ur. Culbertson and explain what can be done. Letter was received from Kelly Construction Company requesting the extension of 1036 feet of water main to service nine houses being constructed Kelly request on Woburn Street, and an additional 106 feet to for water service lot 4 Woburn Street sold to Mr. Sylvester Moodono. Mr. Burns said that a Mr. Turner, below this development, also wants water and the total number of feet of pipe is 1400 or 1500 feet at a cost of about 41)10,000. Mr. Burns wws instructed to review the situa- tion next Monday night with reference to prior re- quests, supply of pipe and any other factors which may bear upon this request. At 8:15 P. M. the following persons met with the Board; Mrs. Morey, Chairwoman of the School Committee; Mr. Regan, 73 Durnell Avenue, Roslindale, Mass. , Vice-eresident of the State Council, A.F.L. ; Mr. Campy@ii, Secretary; Mr . Maloney, Vice President of the local A.F.L. ; Mr. Dailey, Secretary, Mr. Kidd, Treasurer, and Mr. Harry Shea, President. 302 4, Mr. Regan: The workmen of Lexington have joined wZ The American Federation of State and Municipal Employees, affiliated with the American of Labor. We would like to establish relationship witli the Selectmen, have the bargaining rights for the Lo- cal, and to do business for the employees . We have been in business for the past ten years. Our International is in Wisconsin. We have about 110 Locals in the State of Massachusetts. We have est- ablished good relationship in every city and town we are connected with. We are a non-strike organ- ization and feel that we ctn represent these people or they can represent themselves to you members of the Board of Selectmen because we hope you gentle- men undestand that people have to organize today in order to get their story across. I hope you will consider this and establish good relation- ship with this Local. Mr . Shea; '1r. Regan spoke for our Local and expressed the views of the majority of the men in Town. Do you people have any questions you would like answered : Chairman: I don+t know that we have at present. Your appointment tonight was at your re- quest, so we judged you had matters you wanted to present to us . Mr. Shea: It was just to formally notify you of our organization. As far as any conditions and improvements we might wish, we hsve not taken them up at the present time. We would be glad to meet with you at a future date and go into detail. Mr. Regan:This is a custom that we always form when we have a new Local. Chairman: We appreciate the courtesy. I have no particular question that I think of. I might ask what your registered enroll- ment is . 4. Shea: At the present time it is somewhere in the neighborhood of 53. Chairman: From what group? Mr. Kidd: Town workers, cafeteria help, and the custodians . 1 303 Mr. Shea: Town workers-he means the Public Works men. The Park Department is also in- cluded, not wholly, but janitor in the library and the three janitors in the Town Hall. Mr. Gay: Is that 100% of your Public Yorks group? Mr. Shea: There is one janitor not in. With the ex- ception of temporary men, I believe there are one or two of the permanent men not included. Mr. Kidd: About 98% organized. Mr. Shea: We are desirous of obtaining Civil Ser- vice in the Town. We have expectations of putting it on the ballot for the coming election. At the present time we have not gone into any other phases of improve- ments which we might like. Chairman: This is your organization and only a few old. We have had no experience either a- long such lines. We would like to dis- cuss this with the Town Counsel and the Appropriation Oommittee and possibly oth- er Departments and get in touch with you after that. Mr. Campbell: None of us are paid organizers . Our office is at 18 Tremont Street and we are available twenty-fours a da:y. Mr. Hoyt: Does this include the cemetery men? Mr. Shea: Asy et it does not. Chairman: We will talk this over and write you and be glad to see you at any time. The group with the exception of Mr. Stevens and Mr. Burns retired at 8:25 P. M. Mr. Stevens reported on the proposed bus route over Oak Street. Mr. Turner, attornery for the Mid- dlesex & Boston, conferred with Messrs . Walsh and Garfield and they will go along with anything the Board incorporated in the license, but they will not agree to it. If the D.P.U. includes the Town' s Provisions in its license they will abide by it, but 304 they will not agree to the D.P.U. including it in the certificate. Mr. Stevens agreed to discuss the subject further with the D.P.U. Messrs . Stevens and Burns retired at 9:15 P.M. The Chairman reported that Mr. Kraff of Shoppers ' Haven, telephoned him with reference Shoppers ' to a Sunday Sales License. Haven Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted that the matter re- main with the Town Counsel. Letter was received from David Govan, 1834 Sell Massachusetts Avenue, offering $20 for a 3/4 ton Truck pick-up truck body now stored at the Public Works Body Building. Mr. Hoyt moved thrt the offer be accepted and the unit sold, subject to approval by 'dr. Burns . Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it wf s so voted. Letter was received from Mrs. Margaret Car- TAX Title roll, 80 Reed Street, Lexington, offering $50 Property for Lot 23, Block 89, Garfield Street. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to advertise the offer in the Lexington Minute Man and give it further con- sideration at the next meeting of the Board. Permit Letter was received from the St. Vincent De Paul Society of the Sacred Heart Parish, request- ing permission to conduct a paper drive on Sunday, January 7, 1951, weather permitting, or on Janu- ary 14th as an alternate date. Mr. Gay moved that the request be granted. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted. hpplication was received from the Veterans Use of of Foreign Wars requesting permission to conduct Hall a meeting in Estabrook Hall on Wednesday evening, December 13th from 7:45 P.M.. until 10:00 P.M. Mr. Gly moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it was so voted. Fetter was received from Daniel O'Connor, on Use of behalf of the American Legion, requesting permis- Hall sion to held an annual banquet in Cary Hall on February 22, 1951. 1 805 Jar. Gay moved that the use of the hull be granted and considered one of the organizations free uses. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Clerk was instructed to make a note on all future licenses granted for the uses of halls that the Custodian of the Building will have to work over- time and the Board would appreciate a token contri- bution to him for services rendered. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by M11 Gay, it was voted to sign Orders for the laying out and establishing as public town ways, Aerial Street and Cary Avenue. (Copy of Order in Selectmen's Files- Highways, 1950. ) Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to renew the following licenses : Lexington 'Thea1re 1792 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies Charlotte Colby 73 Waltham St. Innkeeper (renew) Sidney B.Heywood 271 Marrett Rd. Com. Viet. Ernest C. Martin 1793 'lass Ave. n If n Mary A. Rowland 150 Lowell St. n ft Shoppers' Haven 316 Merrett Rd. rr rr rr Joseph Trani, Inc. 1757 Mass. Ave. Package Goods n Store Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Dris- coll, it was voted to approve the following joint pole locations , both having been approved by the Town En- gineer: Marrett Road, southeasterly from a point approx- imately 445 feet southeast of Massachusetts Avenue, nine (9) poles, guy wire and anchor to the ninth pole. Walnut Street, southerly from a point approx- imately 1500 feet south of Concord Avenue, five (5) poles, guy wire and anchor to the fifth pole. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P. M. A true record, Attest: Y /