HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-01-02-BOS-min 239
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
January 2, 1957
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on
Wednesday evening, January 2, 1957 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman
Reed, Messrs. Maloney, James, Tucker and Mrs. Morey
were present. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, Mr. Gayer,
Supt. of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk were
also present. Mr. Spiros was also present.
The Lexington School Committee, School Sites
Committee and Superintendent of Schools, John Black-
hall Smith, met with the Board.
The Chairman explained that, upon the suggestion
of Mrs . Morey, it was decided to call the group to-
gether in an effort to arrive at some decision. He
explained that the Selectmen have heard Mrs. Morey's School
report but have not heard which site the School Com- Sites
mittee prefers. He said that the Selectmen have been
over the site but since that time, have not discussed
the subject as a Board.
Mrs . Marek reported that three members of the
School Committee went over the sites on Saturday and
believe there are certain advantages and disadvantages
to both sites. As far as the educational aspects are
concerned, the committee agrees that a good school
plant could be built and the surrounding land used
and either site would be satisfactory franthat point
`of view.
yrs . Greeley said he thought it was the consensus
of the two groups that they have no strong preference
fOr either one or the' other, but at theomgment feel
the additional cost of the Chiesa-Bull site would not
buy enough more for the Town to warrant the additional
expenditure. He explained that the argument in favor
of the Bull-Chiesa site is better access; three good
points of access rather than two. On the other side
of the picture, there would be more grading to the
CYiiesa-Bull site thah to the Lidberg site. He said
whichever landtis not taken will probably goiinto de.
velopment and the quality of the land for development
in the Bull-Chiesa site would be of a higher quality
than the Lidberg land. He said he thought it was
really the walking distance in favor of one site vs
IIthe additional cost for grading on the other side of
the picture. He said that it lboks to him as if the
tgo r
additional cost of the Bull-Chiesa site might be three
to five cents per pupil per day.
Mrs. Marek said that there would be some traffic
problems to be worked out with both sites.
Mr. Greeley said that the Lidberg site would hasten
the need for decision of what is going to be done at
North Hancock and Burlington Streets and would put
additional pressure, if it is needed, in the line
widening Burlington Street. He said that in either
site the demand for sidewalks is about the same.
Mrs. Morey said that she did not agree and
stated that 'whichever side is developed, North
Hancock Stet, Blake Road and Burlington Street will give
streetsywill htve to be widened and sidewalked.
Mr. Greeley said with the additional turning
movement on Burlington Street. it would tend to put
more traffic there. There will be more people coming
from different directio#E.
Mr. Tucker said that it was mentioned that the
Lidberg property will probably be developed and asked
if there were any indications that the other property
would be,.
Mr. Greeley replied that Chiesa has given the im-
pression that he wants to farm, and insists that he has
no intention of selling. He said the Lidberg property
definitely is for sale and the Chiesa property is not.
He said that he does not know if Ohiesa has faced the
prospect of what he is going to do when the Lidberg
property if no longer available to him as he rents land
now from Lidberg. He speaks as though he intends to
continue to farm.
Mr. Tucker asked if, when that land is developed,
would the town buy a strip for the continuation
of Diehl Road and Mr. Greeley replied that he thought soy
He said when he does develop his property he thought the
Planning Board would be able to acquire access across
there which would help solve the pedestrian problem.
Mr. Tucker said that there would be a definite
approach the same as it the Fiske School.
The Chairman explained that the Town has a sewer
easement on Burlington Street and the lot it is on has
125' frontage. He said that would be an access at that
point.
Mr. Greeley said if the Lidberg property is takes!
that lot should be taken.
The Chairman said the Town should take the whole
thing which woukd make a much better access than on
Burlington Street.
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Mrs. Morey said that the committee has talked
of the Lidberg lot as needing the hill belonging
oto Millican and asked if they Cbuid getaa ongiiaitELbytt it.
He said for o:ae thing, if the school is to be entirely on
the in town side of the trunk sewer that property would
be needed to hake room for the school. He said the high
land is much better for the school.
Mr. Steele said it wou]d be better to hold the level
landcfor playground area,' , -
Mr. Gayer said he was thinking along the utility
lines. The Town does have the trunk line of sewer go-
ing through there and water available.
Mr. James saied if the additional cost for developing
the Bull-Chiesa site was a guess and Mr. Greeley re-
plied in the affirmative. He said he obtained figures
for water, sever, storm drain, streets and sidewalks.
The figure used was within 5% on the two sites, He said
he does not have any figure on grading costs. However,
Mr. Maloney did say it would cost $50,000 to grade the
Chiesa property. He said that certainly the grading
cost would be more on the Chiesa than it would on the
Lidberg.
Mr. Maloney said he was not an expert, but having
done a little work and just walking through there it
looks as if the site development would be expensive.
Mr. Greeley said that the play areas on the Lid-
berg property could be left pretty much as they are.
Mr. Greeley referred to the Millican hill and said
he thought it would be very desirable to get that if
the Town takes the Lidberg property. He said he thought
it would make a much better sate for the school, just to
save a few thousand dollars in the price.
Mrs. Morey said it would give the architect a freer
hand.
Mr. Steele said he talked tit) Millican some time ago
and he said he would do anything At a reasonable price.
Mr. Greeley said whether that land int taken or not,
and the Lidberg property is taken, the children will go
across to the Millican greenhouses,
Mr. Maloney said he did not think the Town should
pass that up if the Lidberg property is purchased.
The Chairman said he thought the Board had enough
information tell put all the pieces together and arrive
at a decision.
Football
Mrs. Marek asked if the Board were planning to do field
anything about studying or re-studying the drainage drainage.
of the football field.
* Mr. Greeley said that there is a possibility.
N.42
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The Chairman explained that the original plan to
drain the enclosed field is about three quarters
finished, but has never been completed. The laterals
have never been put into the foolball field itself.
He said Mr. Gayer is new and his opinions on the
field himself. He said he has been after Mr. Gayer
to get the laterals in, and the brook is still run-
ning into the middle of the field. He said he thought
the answer to be that 'the Town will eventually have to
pipe Vine Brook. It was not piped before because Mr.
Jackson was using the brook. He said now the field
will have to be abandoned or the brook piped.
The group retired at 8:00 P.M.
The Chairman reported that he received a telephone.
call from a Lincoln Selectmen who wanted till know if
the Town could increase the size of the light at Mt.
Tabor Road and Route 2. They feel the area should be
better illuminated because of the bad turn.
Mr. Gayer explained that the present light is an
800 lumen for which the Town is paying $18.74. If a
6,000 lumen is put in, which Lincoln has in most of
its lights, the cost will be $35.04 more per year.
Street There would be no charge for changing the fixture. A
light 4,000 lumen light would be $25.54 more per year. He
said that, with the amount of traffic involved, he
thought a 6,000 lumen should be installed.
Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Morey,
it was voted to authorize the Superintendent of Public
Works to increase the lighting at Mt. Tabor Road and
Route 2 to a 6,000 lumen light.
Mr. Gayer reported that he had received bids for
cast iron water pipe es follows:
United States Pips & Foundry
1100 feet - 12' $4.88 per foot
700 feet - 6"' 1.16 per foot
Bids on
water pipe Shahmoon Industries, Inc.
(Warren Foundry and Pipe div. )
1100 feet - 12' 4.78 per foot
700 feet - 6"" 1.92 per foot
R.D. Wood Company
1100 feet - 12' 4.82
700 feet - 6" 1.94
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Mr. Gayer explained that the pipe is for Adams
Street, the Grey Nuns and Winter Street.
Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr.
Tucker it was voted to accept the low bid submitted
by Shahmoon I dustries, Inc.
Mr. Gaye retired at 8:25 P.M.
Mr. Davi Walsh, 9 Alpine Street, met with the
Board relative to his offerto purchase tax title lots
on Alpine &M WOod Streets.
The Chairman explained that the lots on Wood Street
are cut off by the relocation of the street and said
that the Board would like to know Mr. Walsh's reason
for wanting to acquire them he said that he would not
be able to build on them.
Mgi fi]lgh explained that he has gone to consider-
able/in tarea. He indicated on a map where
he had constructed his house and said that he thought
the price for the tax title lots would be comparable
with the sales in the area. He paid $850 for his land
which has a clear title.
The Chairman asked if he intended to build on the
lots and Mr. Walsh replied in the adgativei -c-He said
he could not get his car into his garage and has to do
something with the street. He said he has spent $500
to put in a 6" main and wants the lots to protect his
investment.
The Chairman pointed out that if he does not in-
tend to build on the lots, herwould not have to go to
the expense of having the title cleared. Tax title
Mr. Wals said he knew that, but he is a lawyer
and would pro ably clear the title anyway.
The Chai man said that the Board took into con-
sideration th fact that the lots would have tb be
put through 1 nd court, at a cost of approximately
300, and fel that , 800 was a reasonable price.
Mr. Wals said he was under the impression that
$300 is a low figure for registering. the
Mr. Wale pointed out lots out on / plan and.
said he would lily to purchase them as he would then
have a desiratle building lot.
The Chairman said that he did not know. if a build-
ing permit could be obtained.
Mr. Tucker referred to the plan and said that Mr.
Walsh also wanted to purchase some other lots. He
asked what he intended to do wits thew„
Mr. Walsh. said he wanted to protect his investment.
He said later on if he could tie up the other lots
and'put in a street, he might want to move across the
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street, but he has not intention of selling now
Mr. Maloney asked if he desired to acquire these
lots to protect his investment for street and water.
Mr. Walsh replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman said that the Board will not con-
sider selling the let on Colonial Avenue but will
give further consideration to his offer for the lots
on Wood Street and advise of its decision.
Mr. Walsh retired at 8:35 P.M.
A.
Yr./Irving Dodge, Chairman of the Jersonnel Poiicy
Committee of the Teachers? Association, met with
the Board.
The Chairman explained that the Board had re-
ceived a letter from the School Committee urging the
Selectmeh to take some action relative to 41ae group
insurance. He mentioned that some time ago Mr. Dodge
was advised that the Board had not taken any action
on the subject. He said in 1953 there was an Act
passed permitting towns to provide life insurance
to employees; one-half to be paid. by the town and one-
half by the employee. At that time a number of in-
surface agents expressed interest. He explained that
a canvass of the employees in the Town Hall and other dep-
artments at the time showed that there was ht interest.
He said the cost was very small to both the employee
and the town which would be about $5,000 or 46,000
a year at the most. He said that since that time,
there has been a new group insurance which includes
hospitalization for which the town would }lave to
appropriate money. Recently it has been established
that this can go on the ballot and the town shall ap-
Group propriate funds. He said that the money involved for
Insurance this is at least *35,000 a year which the Board feels
should be discussed. He explained that at least some
members of the Board think a committee should study
the subject, due to the large expenditure involved,
and that the committee should be authorized by Town
Meeting.
Mr. Dodge said than he could not quote figures
and asked if the Board had investigated the Bost to
other towns that have accepted it.
The Chairman explained that his figure was ob-
tained from Mr. Carroll.
Mr. James said he thought this was a major ex-
penditure. The Board does not know enough about it
nor does it have the time to look into the various
kinds of insurance available if the act were accepted
by the Town. Therefore, he felt an impartial committee
245
should study the subject and recommend which insurance
the town should buy, should the town accept it and
have it cleared before the question goes on the ballot.
Mr. Dodge said that the Act provides for the Select-
men to designate an insurance company and Mr. James said
that was correct.
Mr. Dodge said that many of the employees have been
with Blue Cross and Blue Shield for SQ long that they
want to continue.
Mr. James said this Was a major expenditure and by
having a committee study it, they might recommend that
, the town provide only life insurance and let the Blue
Cross-Blue Shield stay with the employees. He said he
would like to have the entire situation studied by a
group of people who would recommend to the town whet, ,
in their Opinion, should be done.
Mr. 4iDodge asked if it weren't mandatory to place
it before the town and Mr. James replied that he would
like a study made before presenting it to the town.
The Chairman explained that this is a form of pay
raise. With the School Committee, once the pay raise
is voted the town must go along with it. As far as
other town employees are concerned, if the town does
not vote the money,(-they just don't get the increase,
He said he was sure the question would be raised on the
floor whether there was to be an increase in pay and
insurance.
Mr. Dodge said this is a fringe benefit and has
been accepted by 25 or 30 towns. He said he had a
figure, by word of mouth, from Watertown where they
paid somewhere in the vicinity of $23,000. He said
he understood there is, a dividend back to the town
which might amount to 55,000 or $10,000. According
to the Act. it is a prerogative of the Selectmen to
either retain the dividend or distribute it amoung the
employees.
The Chairman said that the dividend would bann
life insurance only, and it would not be that much.
Mr. James said that iio% of 'aziy ems. -3sz*phr;etty high.
Mr. Dodge said that there are some disadvantages
one being the increase in the tax rate. There are some
advantages. This would be an advatage for an employee
to remain in Lexington. Some people on the payroll have
no insurance whatever. It might possibly help them,
and coverage is better with a large group. He said he
would like to emphasize the fact that a good many of the
town employees were very conscious of the fact that this
was going to cost the town money. Realizing taxes were
going up, they felt that it was decision to make.
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However, they felt that industry is doing it and to be
in a competitive position with industry, they felt it
was a justifiable request.
Mr. Maloney asked if this Act had been in force
long enough for the people to vote on it and Mr. James
explained that, when the latest vote was passed, it
made it mandatory for those who accepted the previous
Act to accept this.
Mr. Stevens explained that all the towns which
have accepted this have not put in money. Now they
will have to appropriate the money and get a contract.
Before it simply gave the authority to appropriate money,
Now if they took this step, they have to pay.
Mr. James said that there have been three Acts.
Mr. Stevens said if the Act is accepted, the town
is committed to the expenditure. Previous to 1956 the
acceptance did not commit the town to an expenditure.
One is permissive and this is comptlliite.
The Chairman said it was in view of the fact that
the Act had been changed and it would cost the town a
large amount of money that the Board felt a committee
should be skutoipted, d to study the subject more.
Mr. Dodge said his case was presented on the 1956
Acts
Mrs. Morey said that the 1955 Act was the one he
passed out and they did not then have a copy of the
1956 Act. She said she did not get the impression
it was compulsory.
Mr. Dodge said he was under the assumption it
had to be presented to the town.
The Chairman said that was correct, but if ac-
cepted it must be put into effect.
Mrs. Vorey asked how the money would be provided
if the Act is accepted and Mr. Dodge said he did not
know. He said possibly Special Town Meeting would
have to be held to appropriate the money.
Mr. Stevens pointed out that there might be dif-
ferent plans and he did not know if the town had a
choice. He said if accepted, the County can handle
it but whether there were any benefits by doing that
he did not know.
Mr. Dodge said that he has not given this too
much study. Someone had to start it and it was
brought up at the Teachers ' Association Personnel _
Policy Committee meeting. Whether this group will
still urge the issue be forced he did not know.
Mr. Stevens said it would beve to be accepted
only on ballot before the town can put it into effect.
The Chairman said that the Selectmen would like
247
to have a committee' study the subject to find out
the advisability of having such a plan, what it will
cost the town, and what plan is best for the town
and report toll the next Special Town Meeting. He said
the Board .realizes this is the trend and by asking for
a committee •does not necessarily mean that the Board
is opposed. He said he would like very much, and
hoped Mr. Dodge could urge his group, to go along
with the Board who wants to insert an article in the
warrant fbr the March Town Meeting asking to have a
committee appointed.
Mr. Tucker said that if the issue is forced, it
may be defeated;
Mr. Dodge said he would like to have this put in
the paper with an explanation of how much it will cost.
The Chairman said that could be done if there
were a committee.
Mr. James said that would be the report of the
committee, and Mr. Dodge said that then if the people
didn't want it, all right.
Mr. Dodge asked if the Chairman would send him
a letter on it and the Chairman agreed.
Mr. Dodge asked if the Board had any objection
to his disturbing the Board's findings and the Chair-
man replied in the negative. He said the Board wouli
state everything in a letter.
Mr. Dodge and Mr. Stevens retired at 9:17 P.M.
Petition was received from the Boston Edison
Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph
Company for approval of a j/o pole relocation on Pole
Marrett Road. The Chairman reported that the petition location
met with Mr. Gayer's approval.
Upon motion of Mr. Maloartey, seconded by Mr. James
it was voted to approve the petition and grant the
following pole relocation:
Marrett Road, northeasterly side,
approximately 795 feet southeast of
Stedman Road, One pole. One existing
j/c pole to be removed.
An article to be inserted in the warrant was re-
ceived signed by thirteen registered voters request-
ing an appropriation for all night street lighting. Article
Letter was received from Governor Herter relative
to Civil Defense Survival Plan Project and the Clerk Civil
was instructed to send a copy of the communication to Defense
the members of the Board.
248 tome
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Approval was received from the Division of Civil
Service of the two patrolman appointed by the Board
on November 15, 1956.
Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Tucker,
it was voted to renew the following licenses.
Minute Man Restaurant 1715 Mass. Ave. Com., Vic. Ren.
Licenses Margaret & Sidney Heywood 271 Marrett Rd. "
Anna E. Phillips 29 Depot Sq.
Ye Towne Diner 1722k Mass., Ave. " " n
The Chairman referred t1 the letter „from the
Board of Assessors, dated December 6, 1956, relative
to deferred betterments on which the three-year period
has expired.
The Chairman was authorized to adv3,se the indivi-
duals that the time had expired and the betterments are
now due.
At 9:15 P.M. Chairman George C. Sheldon and Mr.
Harold E. Roeder. Board of Fire Commissioners, met with
the Board to discuss 1957 budgets.
The meeting adjourned at 10:05 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
Executive/Clerk,( Select lien
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