Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1951-08-20-min 537 SELECTMEN'S MEETING August 20, 1951 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening at 7:00 P.M. Chairman Nickerson, Messrs. Emery,Gay, Driscoll and Hoyt were present. Mr. Burns, Supt of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. Miss McDonough, Assistant Town Clerk, met with the Board for the drawing of two jurors. Matthew A. Macauley, civil engineer, 490 Waltham Street and Jurors Robert N. Cann, salesman, 1956 Massachusetts Avenue, were drawn to serve in Cambridge beginning the first Monday in October. Hearing was declared open upon the petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to lay and maintain underground conduits and manholes, with wires and cables to be placed therein, under the surface of the following public way: Massachusetts Avenue : easterly side, from manhole 54/23 opposite Locust Avenue, southerly southwesterly and Conduit southeasterly to manhole 54/32, location approximately 2820 feet. No persons were present at the hearing in favor or in opposition to the petition. Due to the fact that the Board preferred to discuss the subject with a representative of the Company before taking action, the Chairman was authorized to make an appointment for the next meeting of the Board. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone Company for per- mission to relocate existing poles on North Street. No persons were present in favor or in opposition to the petition. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order pole for the following pole locations1 locations North Street, southeasterly from a point approximately 540 feet south- ' east of Burlington Street - Five (5) poles. North Street, approximately 2,495 feet northwest of Adams Street, One (1) pole. Misting locations. No new locations desired). 538 Petition was received from the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone Company for permission to locate one pole on Revere Street. Pole Mr. C. Henry Jackson was the only person present Location at the hearing. A plan showing the proposed location was explained by Mr. Burns, the Town Engineer, and Mr. Jackson informed the Board that he has no objections. He retired at 7 :25 P.M. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order for the following pole locations: Revere Street, northwesterly side, approximately 575 feet southwest of Hancock Street Mr. William H. Ballard met with the Board and Mr. Burns presented a 20' scale plan of proposed Edison Way, showing a 32t pavement, 3' shoulders on the side of the properties. He explained that the shoulders are shown on the plan because it will be necessary to keep water from running off the pavement onto the land. The plan also showed a sidewalk on the far side and Mr. Burns explained it is to give people means of getting, in and also to provide area for light poles. Mr. Burns explained that he did not show a fence on the railroad side but did show the parking area, two-way traffic in and out of Depot Square to the Boston & Maine parking area; moved O'Connell's fence and showed relocated position and retaining wall as a safety measure. The wall, although shown on the plan, may not be necessary when the work is actually done. The plan also showed proposed drainage. Mr. Burns said that he would be pleased to put on any additional items which might be suggested. Edison Mr. Ballard said that he ,thought an 8' sidewalk Way was rather generous when a street is needed more than a sidewalk. He said, however, that this is the type of plan that he would like to present to the Boston & Maine and the property owners. He said that he would be glad to proceed on the assumption that the Board will obtain the approval of the Planning Board, and he would be glad to help, and he would get the approval of the Boston & Maine and these people who previously thought that the Town would act on it at a meeting. The Chairman asked if he meant that he would proceed with the negotiations and Mr. Ballard replied that he would just carry the negotiations further on. He said that it had been suggested that it be presented to Town Meeting, but all he is suggesting is to go ahead with everything all at once. He said that when this plan is approved tentatively by the Board he will be glad to prepare a short brief as to the points, which. the Board can have. He said that if a copy of the plan and the brief could be sent to the Planning Board it might help crystalize their ideas, and with the Boards approval, the project can be ready for the next Town Meeting whenever it is . 53 Mr. Ballard asked if the Board had decided on the next Town Meeting and the Chairman said that the Board ' hoped this would be ready again next March without any difference of opinion. Mr. Ballard said that he hoped this would be ready for March and suggested that possibly a Town Meeting may be held in the Fall. He said that he would not call a meeting for this project, but would like to have it ready in the event a special meeting is held, because the people involved might change their minds. The Chairman said that he presumed the Planning Board would advise the Selectmen next Monday night if they have made any progress on the subject. The Chairman asked if, with the exception of the termination location of the fence and the fact that possibly the sidewalk width is to wide, this plan in general met with Mr. Ballard 's anticipated layout and he replied in the affirmative. The Chairman said that the Board would arrive at some conclusion quickly and be in touch with Mr. Bal- lard. Mr. Burns asked if there was anything further that Mr. Ballard wanted on the plan and he replied that he would like to have the grades. Mr. Burns agreed to put on the center line, show the owners and send Mr. Ballard three copies of the plan. After Mr. Ballard had left the meeting, the Board agreed to reduce the width of the sidewalk from eight feet to five feet and also make a note on the plan that the fence is to be determined. Mr. Ballard then discussed briefly the Scott property and said that the Town Counsel sent him a draft of the proposed offer from Scott and he returned it with two or three suggestions. He said that he was surprised to learn that the Board was going to agree that future assessments were going to be this or that and that is the reason he desired help from the Town Counsel. He said that it is not possible to do some of the points asked for and he would like the Town Counsel' s decision. He said that after the Board and Scott Town Counsel have gone over the draft he would like an proposal opportunity to look it over. The Chairman asked if Mr. Ballard desired to dis- cuss the various points this evening and he replied in the negative, stating that he thought it comes down to what can and what cannot be done, and that he will be satisfied with Mr. Stevens ' recommendations. The Chairman said that the Board would ask Mr. Stevens for his opinion and he in turn would contact Mr. Ballard. Mr. Ballard referred to the subject of the Wood- land Bird Sanctuary and explained that there are three Woodland trustees and it may take sometime to obtain their signa- Bird tures on a release. He said he could see no reason why Sanctuary the release could not be drawn and that when it is a release ready he .will, send IA to ,the trustees, together with a -Plan'ror their signatures. 540 CC Mr. Ballard retired at 7:40 P.M. and Mr. Stevens arrived at the meeting at 7 :45 P.M. The Chairman suggested, and the Town Counsel agreed, that they meet with Mr. Ballard on Wednesday to go over the Scott proposal. Mr. Stevens reported that, with reference to the Sit. of Kelchester property, there is some question of the timeon title, and explained that he had prepared a document Kelchester for time extension, leaving the specific date blank property for the moment. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to sign the Extension of Time and Further Agreement prepared by Town Counsel. (Mr. Stevens took the signed form). Mr. Stevens explained that the contracts between the Town and Cali were ready. He recommended that the Board sign them and give them to him. He will not approve them Cali until the insurance certificates are all in proper form. contract Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to sign the contract and deliver it to Mr. Stevens as suggested by him. Letter was received from Edwin A. Cheney, attorney for Sven H. and Virginia R. Nielsen. The Nielson's are owners of land formerly owned by Owen McDevitt, et als Partial and desire a partial release of water betterment assess- release ments in the amount of $727.96 for a water main in of Burlington Street. water Mr. Stevens explained the situation and upon motion assess- of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to sign ment the Partial Release of Land From Water Betterment Assess- ment form prepared by Town Counsel. Letter was received from the Town Clerk, together with Johnson a copy of the County Commissioners' order for layout of Road Johnson Road. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to request the Superintendent of Public Works to re- present the Board at the hearing, and to authorize him to record the Board as being in favor of the proposed layout. Mr. Stevens discussed the claim for damages presented by Norman A. Downs, as a result of an accident involving Downs ? his car and Town Sweeper. He stated that, in his opinion, Claim there is no responsibility on the part of the Town. The Board authorized Mr. Stevens to advise Mr. Dawns of his opinion. Mr. Stevens reported on the Pazzano claim for damages as a result of an accident involving Mrs. Pazzano?s car and Pazzano?s a Town truck. He said that from the facts presented, the Claim Town should deny liability. However, Mr. Driscoll said that he felt very definitely therewas negligence on the part of the operator of the Town Truck. 6_ 541 Mr. Stevens is to report further at the next meeting of the Board. Messrs. Stevens and Burns retired at 8:50 P.M. Chief John W. Rycroft of the Police Department met with the Board. The Chairman explained that there are a number of things the Board would like to discuss and mentioned a Civil Service examination. He asked if the Civil Chief had determined what the timing should be. Service Chief Rycroft stated that the Division will hold Exam. an examination in February with the proviso that if in December, when it checks the cities and towns it may be determined to hold a State-wide examination in March and therefore the Lexington examination will be deferred until March. He said that this would be all right. There were two men to take the examination. One man severely injured his knee while playing ball and it may be held up for him. However, the injury may be a permanent one and he may never be able to take the examination. The Chairman asked if the Chief would like to have a formal application made now for a Civil Service exam- ination for police officers for February with the under- standing that it will give him plenty of time to get the applicants lined up and the Chief replied in the affirma- tive. 11 The Chairman said that the Board has been endeavor- ing to prevent the extension of gravel pits around the Town and explained that it is definitely against the law to enlarge gravel pits and that no permission has been given anyone or can be given anyone to enlarge the pits. He said that the police are around town and are Gravel in the most stragetic position of anyone to catch such Pits things when they first start. He said that the Board would appreciate it very much if the Police Department would report to the Chairman, any member of the Board or Town Counsel, preferably, if any sand or gravel pit is being enlarged. The Chairman said that the third item for discuss- ion is that in line with the effort that the Board is considering making toward a 40 hour week for the Police Department,. He explained that little or no progress has been made as far as anything definite is concerned, but that the Board has spent a lot of time discussing the Police matter and pondering how it can be done. 40 hour He- said that the Chief knows that he has only week one possibility for a new officer and also that he is faced with the possibility of losing an officer. He explained that the Board has considered the matter of temporary employees -- school crossing people and in spite of the fact of his conversation early in March with the Chief, the Chief was very definitely against temporary employees. He said that the Board has looked into the matter of women police officers in Newton and Melrose and has found, from a rather thorough study of the situation in Newton , that they are very 542 mtZ satisfactory. He said that with women police officers for school duty, the Department would definitely pick up a lot of hours, enouel so that with two new men the 40 hour week could be put in force. He said that the Board believes, not having scheduled it out, that by taking the number of hours that would be acquired by this method, enough hours could be assembled to bring the force down to a 40 hour week. The Chief asked what the Chairman meant by using substitutes, and the Chairman explained that he meant by using women on the school crossings in the morning, and at noon and at the grade schools in the afternoon. He said that the Chief has two men at the High 8chool in the morning. The Chief said that one man goes to the Fletcher Avenue crossing and the other goes to Munroe School at 8:10 The Chairman asked if the pair of men do three jobs in the morning and the Chief replied that they do two different jobs, which is four jobs each. He has one man at Adams School and one at Oak Street who do just one job. There are no officers at the Franklin or Fiske Schools, but there is one at Parker School and one at Massachusetts Avenue for the Hancock School. He explained that at noon there are six men on school duty; at 3 :30 there are six men on school duty and the cruiser does the High School at 2:05. He said that in the morning the men are at the schools from 8:00 until 8:45 and at noon from 11:25 to 12:10. They are back again at 12:45 until 1:15. The Chief stated that each man is doing three hours and six men working is 18 hours, not including transportation. Police The Chairman said that, in other words, the Chief 40 hour has something like 20 hours a day, 4 days a week, or week 80 hours a week of this type of duty and the Chief agreed. The Chairman said that at the present time it is permissable to employ retired people overage. He said that if the Chief could find some retired officer or retired capable person who could perform duties to give him a little aid, he might gain some hours that way The Chairman said that the Board would like the Chief to put his mind to this problem from the stand- point of seeing if he can figure out a schedule that will work toward this end. He stated that the Board is not in a position to say that it is going to force this on the Chief but would like him to consider it. The Chief said that the idea of using police women in Newton was due to this fact. It took so many men every day that they had to call night men back to over- time school duty during the day and it became an issue. He explained that they did not need more men on ,days to cover the assignments except hours for schools so to overcome it, they put on women and it worked well . 543 He said that if, in Lexington, three men are taken off day shift and three women are put on schools, they will take school traffic but there will not be the men to cover the regular assignments. He said that the force will be cut down days so the the normal work will not be done. The Chairman said that the Department wants a 40- hour week and asked why the men couldn' t be doing some- thing else while the women were doing crossings. The Chief said that in order to put in a 40-hour week, he will have to change men off days where the schools are being taken care of and put them on nights. When the schools are done, three women have gone home so three of the manpower are left. He said that if he had enough men to cover the assignments, women would be all right. The Chairman said that there are just so many things to be done and so many officers to do them and they work 48 hours a week. The Chief said that they are working almost 60 hours a week. He said that the night men work from quarter to six until quarter to one, quarter of one until quarter of eight. These two night shifts take care of 14 hours. The other 10 hours are taken care of by day men. The Chairman asked the Chief if he could reshuffle his schedule if he had 80 hours a week more, to get the real benefit from those 80 extra hours, by decreasing the hours that the officers Would have to work. Mr. Hoyt asked if the Chief' s coverage at the time Police of schools was being penalized when he has six men on 40-hour crossings and he replied that there is no question about week it. Mr. Hoyt asked if he could use those men if they were not on school crossings and the Chief replied in the affirmative. He said that he could not shorten the days of the week until he has three extra men. Mr. Hoyt said that the men would not be sitting around doing nothing if the Department had auxiliary help and the Chief said that was right. He said that usually, in the summer time, he has to send out one or two officers a day with the Public Works Department and 25% of his department is out on something unforseen. He has two men on the cruiser and finds now that very often he has to send the second cruiser out to answer calls. He stated that the Town is growing and one car can' t take care of all the calls coming in. The Chief said that he would be glad to think this over and see if he can work something out. He said that he knows the Melrose and Newton situation and it is good if manpower is available for the rest of the business of the Department. Mr. Driscoll asked how many men were on days and the Chief replied that there are twelve . Mr. Driscoll asked howl, many men were on nights and the Chief replied twelve. 544 cin Mr. Driscoll asked if he needed as many on days as he does on nights and the Chief replied that he does because of the schools. He explained that some- one is off every six days. There are four men off every day -- two day men and two night men. He said that the same thing is true when the Department in- creases, so does the sick leave. There are more men to be sick. He said that the men in his Department will work if they can and there is no shirking. The Chief said that with the number of men in the Depart- ment, there is no safety factor whatsoever to take care of sickness . He explained that during the summer vaca- tions must be between June 21st and September 4th which means that every two weeks four men are on vacation, plus the men ,on days off. At the present time there are six men on days, not including the Chief. The Chairman asked if, in view of the questions asked, the statements he has made and the answers by the Chief, the Board felt it should ask him to proceed with a study to see if he could utilize a possible 80 hours of women officers to help toward the five-day week. Mr. Driscoll asked if the Chief had talked to them in Newton, and the Chief replied that he has talked with the Newton Chief many times. Mr. Driscoll said that Newton is asking for more women officers this year. The Chief said that Lexington is trying to do some- thing different than they are in Newton. He said that Lexington is trying to create a five- day week and the women in Newton were not put on to create a five-day week as the men already had it. The Chairman asked if anyone wanted to make any comment on his question of a few minutes ago or if they thought the Chief' s answer to the situation has changed the Board' s mind. Mr. Driscoll said that, in other words, the Chief is to mull this over and see if he can or can' t make up some hours. The Chairman said that the Board thought it would be the thing to do to ask him in and lay this matter before him to see if he could reschedule his grouping to gain an advantage from a possible 80 hours of add- itional employees. Now the Chief has stated very clearly that it would not solve his situation. Mr. Driscoll asked how Melrose compared with Lexington and the Chief replied that he was not sure, but he thought there were twenty-sic men. Mr. Driscoll asked if the Chief didn' t think this situation had arisen on account of the shortage of man- power through this period and the possibility of getting women who are so efficient. The Chief replied that he did not understand it that way. He said that the schools are the problem, and that unfortunately Lexington has six schools on a main street. No requests have been received for officers at Fiske School or Franklin School but on the main street they are needed. 545 He said that there must be some bad crossings in Melrose to put on ten women for school traffic only. He explained that the Town of Melrose is not as large in area as Lexington. Melrose has enough men on duty and using women for schools works out all right. If Lexington attempts to do it under the present setup, three men will be taken off days. Mr. Emery said that the Chief believes there is nothing to be gained and asked Iim' if he was prepared to say that he does not think the women on school traffic would help. The Chief replied that he would be glad to look into it further, but personally right now he wished he could put on the women, but he Gantt see that it will work because he hasntt the men to cover the things that have to be done.. Mr. Gay asked if school duty was the officers first assignment and the Chief said that they come in at quarter to eight and then go out. If the day men come in later, the night men have to stay on duty longer, but if the five day week is put in effect, he will try and level it off. He said that from quarter to eight until quarter to six is a long day. During schools, the men have about thirty minutes for lunch. The Chairman said that he thought the Board would like to have the Chief study the matter thoroughly, but that there is no hurry. He asked the Chief to give •the subject reasonable consideration, after the vacations are over, on account of the fact that the Board would like to have him do so. The Chairman said that the question about seniority at accidents has arisen and there seems to be a conflict of opinion between the Fire Department and the police Department. Heasked who is the senior force when the ambulance and the Police go to the scene of an accident. He explained that the reason for the question is because the Board has had some feeling that some fireman were not well prepared in first-aid and had taken the subject up with the Fire Commissioners who have largely corrected Seniority it already. Within a period of a few months all the at fireman will be put through a refresher course of first accidents aid. The Chief said that he was amazed to hear the Chairman say that there has been some conflict. He said that he has been here a long time and in all his experience never saw evidence of conflict at an accident. He said he never saw any difference of opinion and it has never been brought to his attention. The men always try to get their minds together as to what is the best procedure. He stated that the Police arrive first and naturally they should be in charge of the accident. Many times they are at the scene first and have radioed back for a doctor because from experience they know that the patient should not be moved. One of the things they have been taught is never be in to much of a hurry. 546 ccs ' C Cid He said the only conflict he ever heard about was not between the Police and Fireman, but from some outside individual. The Chairman asked if, because the Police Officers arrived first, the Chief thought they should have seniority rights in the control of whether the patient should be moved and how quickly. The Chief replied in the affirmative. i e. Mr. Gay asked if the Police Officers had a first aid course and the Chief replied in the affirmative. He said that there are four men in the Department qualified to teach first- aid. The Clerk left the meeting at 9:50 P.M. The Clerk and Sup' t of Public Works returned to the meeting at 10:30 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Chief Rycroft stating that the Department of Public Utilities Lovell informed him that a petition had been received from buses people living in the Five Forks area relative to parked parking of Lovell buses which they claim has become at a traffic menace. An Agent from the Department Five informed the Chief that at the moment this is a local ' Forks problem. Mr. Burns and the Chief made a survey of the situation and submitted a plan together with suggest- ions that might help overcome the problem. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to put into effect on a trial basis suggestions outlined in the Chief' s letter dated August 20, 1951. Chief Rycroft retired at 10:30 P.M. On Thursday, August 16th the Chairman polled the Board in reference to the construction of Paul Revere Paul Road. (See Selectmen' s Meeting, August 13, 1951. ) The Revere Chairman, Mr. Emery and Mr. Hoyt voted to instruct Mr. Road Burns to advise the County and State that the Board is ready to proceed. Mr. Burns reported that Mr. Sullivan has signed a release in connectionwith the construction of Paul Revere Road, and in talking with Mr. Sullivan he asked him about the brook, Mr. Sullivan has lived here and known about it for fifty-two years. He stated that he brought the Plan, together with a letter, to the State and asked that they adver- tise for a contract as soon as possible this Fall. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Burns try to obtain a release from the second largest property owner and then delegate someone else to contact the other property owners. 544 Mr. Burns submitted plans and reported on the State traffic counts at Coolidge Avenue, Hancock Traffic 1 and Revere Streets; Lowell and Woburn Streets and counts Barrett Road. No funds are available for any of these projects this year and they therefore will have to be 1952 projects. Mr. Burns reported that he has received a re- quest from Mr. Armstrong, Supt of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control, for additional funds. Mosquito The 1950 balance and most of the 1951 appropriation control has been exhausted. He explained that 11500 will provide for work up until April, 1952. Mr. Burns suggested that the Superintendent be advised to keep sufficient funds on hand for the winter and agreed to find out what the minumum amount is that will be needed. Mr. Burns informed the Board that he will need additional funds for water services. He explained that the appropriation was 24,745 and up to August 2nd $15,261 had been used. There have been 213 Transfer services completed, deposits received for 11 (work for water not done) and 75 requests received with no deposits. services He is estimating 85 more for the end of the year or a total of 171 additional services. He had figured *80 per service which amounts to 13,680 and said that 5,000 more would give him a margin to work on. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of 0,000 from the Reserve Fund to the Water Services Account. Petition was received, signed by four residents of Spring Street requesting the extension of a water main Spring St. from #151 to #162 a distance of approximately 500 feet. water main Mr. Burns said that he thought the extension should include the houses down below and that this would be a 1952 project. Mr. Jellist request for gravel on Reed Street was held over from the last meeting, decision having been Reed St. held up pending further information from the Town request Counsel relative to the status of the street. No for gravel action was taken. Letter was received from Mr. Jackson, Health Sanitarian, relative to the proposed Ellison Road development. ADcording to percolation tests, septic tanks with a minimum of 110 feet of leaching drain should function properly as home disposal units . The Chairman suggested that an appointment be made Ellison for Mr. Innis to meet with the Board, bring in a plan Road. and tell the Board what he intends to do. This will have to be a 1952 project. Mr. Burns retired at 11:30 P.M. 548 an Letter was received from Peter Marasi, 10 Gladstone Street, North Cambridge, offering $200 for lots 644 through 648, Asbury Street. Tax Title The Board is to look at the lots before taking Property any action on the offer. Letter was received from the Assistant Town Clerk requesting a transfer of $82 to cover the cost of ballots used in the High School referendum. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll ' Transfer it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $82 from the Reserve Fund to the Elections Expenses Account - Jurisdiction, Town Clerk. Application was received from the Lexington Choral Society requesting the use of Cary Hall for a spring concert on April 27, 1952. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, Use of it was voted to grant the requests free of charge Hall and suggest that the organization check on the date about January 15th. Letter was received from Edwin B. Worthen, Jr. recommending that a sign, directing tourists to Munroe Tavern, be placed on the parcel of land Sign owned by the Town and located in front of the Munroe Station. Mr. Emery moved that the suggestion be approved Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to grant a Sunday Golf License to Countryside Associates, Inc. The meeting adjourned at 11:55 P.M. A true record, Attest: er �