Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1953-09-08-min 71 SELECTMEN'S MEETING September 8, 1953 regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Roam, Town Office Building, on Tuesday, September 8, 1953 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. Nickerson, Gay, Driscoll and Bateman were pre- sent. Mr. Burns, Sup+t. of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Raymond W. Rocm. for James, Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, ad- :,Apprdip. vising that the office of the Building Inspector is Committee inadequate for the needs of his Committee. He re- meetings quested that a conference room be made available for September /4th and for regular meetings thereafter. Inasmuch as the conference room on the second floor has been equipped and-reserved for Civil Defense, Mr. Nickerson moved that the conference room on the first floor be made available. Mr. Driscoll seconded the -motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Henry E. Walsh, 91 Fayerweather Street, Cambridge, stating that on August 25th he drove over a refil]s d water line ex- cavation on Eldred Street which incident resulted in Onages a leak in his gasoline tank. He enclosed a bill in the amount of $7.60 for which he felt the town should be responsible. Mr. Burns stated that Eldred Street is a private way and the sewer service trenches are fairly old. He said that he does not know if any new houses have been constructed in that area but did not believe the Town is liable. He reported that Town Counsel has two or three similar claims in different sections of the town. Mr. Nickerson suggested that the veracity of the claim be checked and when it was discussed with Town Counsel, later in the evening, he suggested that Mr. Burns send him a report. Mr. Nickerson asked Mr. Stevens to take the complaint and call Mr. Burns in view of the small amount of money involved. The Chairman read a letter from the County Com- ' missioners advising that a hearing will be held on Chapter 90 Thursday, October 15, 1953 at 10:00 A. M., Commis- sioners' Office, to discuss matters pertaining to public roads for 1954. Mr. Burns was instructed to represent the Board at the hearing. Mention was made of Hill Street, Concord Avenue and the praposed road to Winchester as possible projects for 1954. 72 Co The Chairman read a letter from Mr. James T. Garbage Scriven, 20 Independence Avenue, complaining about complaint garbage collection. Mr. Burns was instructed to dis- cuss the subject with the contractor in an effort to determine what the situation is. The Chairman read a letter from Russell F. Morash, 19 Stratham Road, in which he referred to a Req. for request in 1953 to have water service for lots 3 and water 4 Stratham Road. Letter was sent to Mr. Morash on March 11, 1953 advising that the matter would lie considered when budgets are discussed for 1954, and the Chairman agreed to reiterate the statement made by the Board in that letter. Plan and three copies of Notice of Removal of J/0 and abandonment of J/0 locations was received from Pole the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone Abandonment and Telegraph Company. Mr. Burns explained that the poles have already been removed as they were located in Route 128 and this request is to as, the petitioner's files. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to approve abandonment and removal of the following J/0 poles : 4 poles, Robinson Road, northeasterly from Grove Street The Chairman read a letter from Richard F. Jackson, Health Sanitarian, advising that the cess- pools and septic tanks at 63, 65 and 67 Rood Street Sewer ext. are not functioning properly and are potentially a req. in danger to the public health. Mr. Jackson wrote that Reed St. the extension of the sewer to reach these houses would eliminate the problem. Mr. Burns explained that the sewer cannot be ettended without coming out of the ground before it reaches those houses and that is the reason it was not extended any further. He stated that at the time it reaches #59 the land drops down so fast a main can- hot service the houses. The only line that could take care oft hem would be one coming up Center Street from the pumping station which is a lohg distance, requiring large pipe and would cost in the vicinity* of 475,000. Mr. Nickerson suggested, and the Board agreed, that the Chairman discuss the matter with Mr. Jackson in an effort to determine whether or not the cess- pools can be extended. Mr. Burns presented a blueprint of the proposed Lights for lighting for the new High School and reported that High School the Boston Edison Company will furnish the ornamen- tal standards, lights, globes, cable, run it and do IN; all the connections. The company does not want to put 111in any of the underground work, feeling that the price will be too high and preferring not to bother with it anyway. The cable will be down about three feet, 2i° pipe and will run as indicated by the red lines on the blueprint. He explained that all therground work will have to be done now even if all the lights are not going to be put in. There is about thirty-five feet of pip® and trench at $7,000 and forty pull boxes at $50, or another $2,000 totalling $9,000. He said that just to put the lights underground will cost in the vicinity of $10,000. The rate for these poles is $53.92 as corny pared to $29.32 a year for overhead wires, and they are both the same type, 1,000 lumen lights. If onlyaa por- tion is done, say fourteen lights, it will cost $754.88 annually against $410.48. If thirty-one lights are used as recommended by the company the charge for under- ground will be $1671.52 per year and overhead $908.92. Mr. Nickerson asked if the service would be any better, and Mr. Burns replied in the negative stating that it is all appearance. He said if the Board de- cides on underground, he would prefer to obtain a price from Kenworthy and Taylor to do the entire job. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at the meet- ing at 7:35 P. M. Mr. Driscoll asked if this could legally be in- eluded in the Town street lighting and Mr. Stevens said that he has never checked it but doubted if the question would ever be raised. Mr. Gay and Mr. Bateman said that they were defer initely in favor of underground wiring. The Chairman asked if the Board was unanimously in favor of underground installation, and Mr. Driscoll said that he has not made up his mind. Mr. Burns left the meeting at 7 :45 P. M., and Mr. Harold Roeder, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commis* sioners, met with the Board. Mr. Roeder said that the Commissioners had a meeting with the members of the Fire Department to Ambulance discuss the now Rules and Regulations of the Depart- sient at wbioh time several questions were asked. He said that the Commissioners instructed the men operating the ambulance to take the patients to the nearest hospital. Occasionally they are told by the Police to go to some other hospital and they would like to know from whom to take orders. Mr. Nickerson stated that the ambulance is operated by the Fire Department and he would think the Commis, stoners would have to have some orderly method of in- struction for the men and he thought the matter should be worked out in a friendly way. 74 CL The Chairman said that he would discuss the subject with the Chief of Police and contact Mr. Roeder before he leaves on a trip to California. Mr. Roeder retired at 7 :50 P. M. The Chairman read a letter from Chief Rycroft stating that Lieutenant Knapp has filed a complaint of neglect of duty against Officer Costello for failure to report to work on time, the specific date Complaint re being September 3, 1953. He wrote that Lieutenant Officer Knapp has spoken to the Officer about his tardiness Costello but without any effect. The Chairman agreed to discuss the subject with the Chief in an effort to obtain more detailed in- formation before the Board decides whether or not to invite Officer Costello to meet informally with the Board. Mr. James F. Sawyerts offer of $250 for lots 1 and 2, Block 18, Reed Street, was held over. Mr. Harold I. Bjornts offer of $300 for lot 46 Hillcrest Street, was held over. Letter was received from Mrs. Anna V. Millicent Use of 91 Hancock Street, on behalf of the Minute Man Barnes Auxiliary, for permission to use the Barnes property Property for a rummage sale on October 17th. 1Gpon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the request. Letter was received from Henrietta W. Bennett, on behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary, V.F.W. tar per- mission to use the Barnes property for a rummage sale on. September 26th. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to grant the request. Letter was received from Albert J. Gardner, on behalf of the Stanley Hill Post, American Legion* Use of requesting the use of Estabrook Hall on Wednesday, Cary Hall September 16, 1953 from 7:00 P. M. until 11:00 P. M. for the Installation of Officers. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to grant the use of the hall free of charge. Mr. Stevens reported that proceedings were brought against Mrs. Burns for keeping a trailer on Bartlett Avenue and the case came up today. She telephoned and informed him that the trailer was moved off the land and out of town. He has requested Mr. Lindstrom, Building Inspector to investigate, 75 Mr. Stevens also reported on the Harmon vs. Lindstrom, et al case and brought the Board up to date on the facts. Chairman Morey, Messrs. Cromwell and Wadsworth Lighting of the School Committee, Suptt. Smith and Mr. Burns High School met with the Board re lighting for the new High School. The Chairman said that the question is whether or not there are to be thirty-one poles with wires or un- derground installation. He explained that the subject had not been discussed with, the Committee before due to the fact that Mr. Burns had been waiting. for a re- port from the Boston Edison Company. He said that it is time there were lights ether overhead or underground and some members of the Board do not like the idea of overhead wires, and therefore Mr. Burns was requested to obtain figures for underground installation. Mrs. Morey said that the only conversation was hers with Mr. Burns last Spring and she aaid then that there would have to be a couple of flood lights on the parking area. She said that the way in from Waltham Street is definitely a street servicing the late Mr. Ryder's area. Nothing was done about street lighting and the matter rested there. Mr. Burns reported that a plan was submitted to the Boston Edison Company who has come up with a solution to light the parking area and roads. They will do it either way, partial or all of it_ as street lighting or any combination the Town wants. He stated that at this time the Board does not have to include all the standards unless a certain type of lighting is decided upon, He said that to put in a minimum of lighting - 1,000 lumen, fourteen lights will be re- quired. Speaking only of overhead lighting with the poles, etc. it will cost about $410. He said, taking the same area and same number of lights, underground, the Edison Company will supply original poles, fixtures, cables, etc. but the rate is $53.92 per year against $29.32 and that amounts to $754.88 so it will cost about $340 more per year for minimum lighting. If the entire area is lighted overhead, it will cost $910 and $1670 for underground or about $700 more for that type of light- ing. If it is decided to have underground, all the installation will have to be done at one time. Based on rough figures that is in the vicinity of $10,000. If the Board goes entirely with underground lighting there will be $10,000 for installation with a charge of $700 recurring, more than overhead wires. Mr. Wadsworth inquired about the cost for in- stalling the poles and Mr. Burns explained that the Company will furnish the installation; underground will cost $10,000 against np charge. Mrs. Morey said that would mean lighting the parking area every night and Mr. Burns replied in the affirmative, but that would be only four lights. 76 Mr. Cromwell asked if this ietm was to be paid for out of the School Budget, and Mr. Nickerson replied that the Board wanted to get the Committee's opinion of underground vs overhead wires in regard to the new school. He said that if overhead wires are going to detract materially it might be worth spending the money. He said that the Selectmen do not want to spend the money to do something they think is right if no one else thinks it is right. Mrs. Morey asked if the lighting could be partly overhead and partly not. Mr. Burns said that there would not be too much saving because wherever the wires come down a pole they have to run somewhere. Mr. Wadsworth questioned the practicability of lighting the building for the times it Is open and Mr. Gay said that he thought it would be good ineuran oe protection. Mr. Smith said that there is no question but they do need lights as someone might easily get in there at night and do a lot of damage whereas some light would tend to scare the more timid away. He said that he does not know if all the lights are needed and that fourteen does not seem to be too many. Mr. Gay asked about the saving if overhead wiring was used on the outskirts, and Mr. Burns replied that if 1,000 feet is cut off the amount would be $3500. Mr. Nickerson said that the Board would like the Committee's opinion because the Special Town Meeting is scheduled for October 5th and if additional money is going to be needed, a transfer will have to be made from the Excess and Deficiency Account„ He stated that the Selectmen would propose the subject of lighting and the School Committee would not be involved. He asked id the School Committee would be willing to go along with the Selectmen if they recommend underground light- ing and Mrs. Morey replied in the affirmative. Mr. Smith said that he wrote to the Chief of Police a couple of weeks ago- about some traffic signs around the school and has not received a reply. Mr. Burns explained that he saw the letter and discussed the subject with the Chief at length. The Chief will have men on duty when the school opens but both he and Mr. Burns prefer to see what the pattern of traffic is going to be before placing the signs. The School Committee retired at 8:45 P. M. Mr. Williams, a representative of the Platt Con- tracting Co. Inc., 99 First Street, Cambridge, met with the Board. Mr. Adams, Chairman of the Planning Board, was also present. The Chairman explained that Mr. Williams requested an appointment with the Board in regard to tax title L 77 property, owned by the Town and bounded by the rail- road tracks, and of the Barnes' property and Route 128. Mr. Williams said that he had approached the Plan- ning Board several weeks ago to see if there is a Mr. Williams possibility of bringing several, one immediately, re : Tax buildings in the view of electronics. He was told at Title that meeting that industrial land was available and in- Property strutted to turn his attention to that. He followed the suggestion and called the engineer to look over the land and found it to be satisfactory for industrial use. He said the Town Engineer gave him a complete breakdwwn of the title holders and he•b elieves there are about forty acres involved. A large portion of the area is swamp, dont it could be utilized. The good land could be used for a building, a very fine electronic plant, and the poorer land for parking. He explained that the organization started in 1946 and has had quite a growth in that time. He stated that his interest is from the standpoint of construction. He is with the Platt Contracting Co. and has been sorking on this industrial development program which includes elements for a company that needs a new building. His company lines it up and de- velops the building, ready for occupancy, including financing as well. The State has stated its interest and will give any possible assistance to promote the development of this type of industry. Mr. Williams explained that the Town has started proceedings to take title to the land and it will be two years before that feature is completed. This is land zoned for industry by the Town. He asked if there is any land available without going through all this red tape, or if there is some way by which this property can be acquired. He cannot wait the two years. He said that he would like to know if the Town of Lexington is interested in this type of in- dustry and if so is there any way this land can be ac- quired immediately. The Chairman said that he mentioned the subject to Town Counsel only this evening so he has not had an opportunity to study it, and that the Board has to re- ly on his opinion. Mr. Stevens said that he did not want to give a firm opinion this evening, but the tax title proceed- ings can't be shortened. He said possibly siomething could be worked out on a redevelopment setup, and that it is not like an Commission Industrial n mm ssion which would require legislatioi. He said it may be pos- sible to acquire it by eminent domain and then turn it over. As he recalled the Act, the landdd could be developed and leased or turned over. Mr. Williams stated that in order to get things accomplished, he is not interested in speculation in land. He is interested in giving these organizations Q C 78 Zoan opportunity to have their buildings. His company, as contractors, develop the idea and that is getting larger now and is bringing in associations of en- gineers and brokerage firms. This si something that is an idea started because his company was in- terested in creating a use for its services in the construction business. He said that the organization wants to develop close by the Bedford Airport and feels that the area is convenient and satisfactory. Many of the men would live in this area. Mr. Niokerson said that in order for Town Counsel to give an opinion he would have to have something specific from Mr. Williams. Mr. Stevens said that he would need to exp&ore the law to see how this can be done and if the method will fit in with what Mr. Williams has in mind, some- thing might be worked out. Mr. Williams said that the cost has to be kept to - a minimum in financing this, and the land will have to be developed. There will have to be grading and some fill. In order to botain access to the land he will have to have a right-of-way and most of the land con- sidered for the right-of-way is owned by the Home Garden, a New York Company. He has not, however, made may contact with them because he wanted to find out first how the situation would develop. Mr. Nickerson said that befere the Board could decide on this, it would have to know what the initial proposition would mean to the town taxwise because that would have a great deal to do with the value of the land. Mr. Williams said that if it can't be done for this organization, he might be able to do it for another organization immediately. He said that he is talking now of 165,000 feet, but he can't tell the cost. It may possibly be a two-story administrative and engineer- ing, including a lahoratory. Mr. Burns asked if the 165,000 feet would be maiufacturing space, and Mr. Williams replied in the negative. Mr. Nickerson asked if the entire 165,000 feet would be under roof and Mr. Williams replied in the affirmative. He said a protion would be two floors. Mr. Nickerson said that he must have some idea as to its worth and Mr. Williams said that he has not ex- timated the costcon it, but he would think it would run close to a million dollars. They figure $4.80 a square foot from the standpoint of construction cost or pos- sibly $8.00 a square foot. This situation might very well be figured in the vicinity of $5.00 to $5.50, very rough. Then there are the financing charges and all other factors combined. 79 The Chairman said that the Board will have to wait for Town Counsel on this, possibly discuss the subject later on this evening and then contact Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams said that he will have more defihite figures for the Board and it may run $500,000 more. Mr. Williams retired at 9 :10 P. M. Mr. Stevens discussed articles for the October 5th Town Meeting and retired at 9 :25 P. M. Mr. Burns said that one item he would like to dis- cuss is sewer services. He said that he will run very close to the money in his budget basing the services on requests received to date and those remaining to be done. He said that he simply has to do all those on Marrett Road which number about 40 or $3,000. He stated that Sewer the people on Burlington Street, Simonds Road and Blake Services Road are pressing him now and there will be about 40 services in this group. Altogether he is about $8,000 short. He said that he has 45 requests which have not been paid for. Mr. Burns said that the next item is sewer main- tenance. He had a lot of trouble with the pumping station this year and he will be short the end of the ' year on power if nothing else. He spent $600 or more for repairs against $47 last year. He stated that he has $44 for the balance of the year and definitely will need more money in this account. The Board felt that a transfer could be made from the Reserve Fund to take care of this item. Mr. Driscoll and Mr. Burns retired at 9 :30 P. M. The following members of the Planning Board met with the Selectmen: Chairman Adams, Messrs. Grindle, Hathaway, Irwin, Potter and Ripley. Mrs. Baker, Clerk and Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, were also present. Mr. Adams said that at the last Town Meeting a number of citizens did not think the zones were re- Planning stricted enough, and felt the town was growing too Board req. fast. He stated that the Planning Board has had an Nov. Town increasing number of developments even this past Meeting year with very rigid subdivision rules and regula- tions. In the course of looking over the subdivisions and also seeing what other towns have done, the Plan- ning Board decided to restudy the idea of increasing the lot sizes. One of the first things the Board did was to mark out the large undeveloped amounts of land now remaining in town. He said his Board feels that time is getting short and knew that a Town Meeting was scheduled in October but felt that a snap decision should not be made for that meeting. The Planning 80 Boardis nbw talking about 150 foot frontage and acre lots, and does not think it will be good to wait until the Marah Town Meeting. Therefore, the Board is requesting a Special Town Meeting to be held some time in November. This will give the Board ample time to come up with something reasoh- able. He said that the Board has also discussed the Platt Contracting Company business and this might tie into it. The Chairman asked if Mr. Adams felt that his Board would have time enough to be ready between now and November. Mr. Adams replied that his Board is going to get a Planning Expert, Allen Benjamin of the State Planning Board, for assistance, His Board would also like to ask Town Counsel about some of the legal angles and will also require quite a bit of help from Mr. Burns. However, he felt that the Board would be ready by November. He said his Board is also considering a forty foot setback instead of thirty and that the pressure is very definitely on for speculative develqpments. Mr. Adams said that all his Board wants to- night is a general indication from the Select- men that a meeting would be called. The Chairman said that if the Planning Board believes it will be ready, he thought the Board would go along with them. Mr. Adams said he would know by the first week in October which will give ample time for calling a meeting in November. Thq Planning Board and Town Counsel retired and the meeting adjourned at 10:00 P. M. A true record, Attest: Cleric, Se tmen .