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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-01-03-BOS-min 277 USELECTMEN'S MEETING January 3, 1968 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Wednesday evening, January 3, 1968, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs Burnell, Cataldo, Mabee, Kenney, were present. Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant and Acting Superintendent of Public Works and Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk; were also present. Mr. Storer met with the Board to discuss the petition for an article in Warrant for land acquisition in back of Peacock Farm. The Chairman said that the Planning Board is present, as the matter concerns them. Mr. Storer stated that he had difficulty in finding the present map and asked if Mr. Legro could provide a better description of the land He showed the map and pointed out Parcels 1 and 2 involved in the article . The Chairman stated that taking Parcel A. fractions of four lots, the remaining fractions are utterly useless. He further stated, does it make sense to ask Town Meeting to leave 60' in depth in private ownership? Mr. Storer said that the builder could combine two for one useful lot. The top lot extends from Pleasant Street and two lots in the middle could be combined into one useful lot. Mr. Worrell said there was a possibility of building Peacock a street. Farm The Chairman said the Citizens Article presented to the Board. If the Board saw it had merit and ex- pended their option money to get opinions of value or app praisal, are we not opening the door for all kinds of citizen' s articles . May not be desirable. Mr. Storer said that the Town is better qualified to have own appraisal. Mr. Mabee asked if we obtain appraisals are we placing a stamp of approval on it? Mr. Storer said the Board must make that decision, that is why we elected you. Mr. Kenney asked what are the general purposes? The Chairman said , cannot ask questions on article . Only question would be what would be the purpose, obviously you have a purpose in mind . Mr. Storer said that good planning is that you buy key chunks of land when they are relatively cheap. Mr. Cataldo made very effective case buying section of land - 278 Y w V,. Worthen Road, and the argument for buying this land is the same. This is what planning is for and this is good planning. Basically the same arguments are present here. Sewer easement first studied in 1932 as alternate to widen Pleasant Street, concept was traffic would flow to Mass . Ave. The Chairman asked if concept is valid now. Mr. Storer said he was just giving information. 1950-51 referred to as connector road . To widen Pleasant Street is an expensive problem - Pleasant and Mass. Ave. - talks of re-doing the traffic circle . No one has come up with solution because of Fern Street - take about $500,000. Emerson Road came in existence. It was proposed 20' one-way street, opposed to 70t Town road . Town invested $250,00.0 for sewer casement , bought red house, tore it down, 1963 Planning Board interested in cost of Emerson Road 70' wide; was $93,000 from Mass. Ave. to Peacock Farm. In 1965, Planning Board demolished Emerson Road . Connector will not be part of Emerson Road . 1966 Planning Board issued statement , demolish connector. Come to this article, there is a question how we are going to get traffic by circle without adding pressure on Mass . Ave Mr. Storer said he proposes 20' road like an off ramp, off Route 2, under Peacock Farm Road. This possi- bly would not bring any more traffic into Lexington; takes no houses. State might build sizeable part. Planning Board bought pedestrian easement. Town has brook easement, back of lots, homes . No access to West ' s Farm, provide a way to get there, direct access . Good conservation arguments. Last time Town has option to buy. This is last Town Meeting we will have before four houses are built . The Chairman said at the present would like to hear from the Planning Board. Mr. Greeley asked, is he asking his proposal in order. Chairman said, don 't think this Board can answer. Obligation is to prepare a warrant, such citizen' s articles to be inserted. Onus is not on the Board to present this. This Board would have to make decision whether to go by eminent domain. Have to have some sort of preparation, opinions of value. Would Board act advisedly using funds for purpose such as this. Mr. Greeley asked if the article is to be presented . The Town Meeting wants some information of estimates of costs . Be given relevant facts they are asked to vote on . The Chairman said that Citizen' s Article is not the responsibility of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Greeley stated that Planning Board has not dis- cussed this . Major issue is on merit of it by information. Mr. Cataldo said, basically, Board should tell 279 Mr Storer if signatures are valid , whether this Board will vote to insert in Warrant. If we support or oppose it is another story. Should carry forward as Citizen' s Article . Mr. Storer said if the Town Selectmen found some merit in the article they should get an appraisal. The Chairman said he could see his point . Mr. Storer stated there is no great amount of money involved for the article, about $12,000. Mr. Greeley said the Planning Board would like to study this before giving a recommendation. Dr. Jick said these petitioners have by-passed the Planning Board and felt the Planning Board should do the planning. He also said, I would like to oppose the Article. Mr. Greeley said he disagreed and was very happy to have citizens submit ideas. The Chairman said, resolved, this Article will go in Warrant. The Planning Board and Board of Selectmen will discuss this. No future action until after consultation The Planning Board met with the Board to discuss Worthen Road between Marrett and Pleasant should be put in deep freeze. The Town Cannot wisely make decision on how to lay out Worthen Road until it has some professional studies done . Worthen Road should be analyzed at Pleasant, Watertown and Waltham Streets and other parts of traffic situation. We would be reluctant to take action in support or against until this is done. Mr. Cataldo said he agreed with him and asked if the recommendation was for money to make this study at this Town Meeting. Mr. Greeley said Bedford Street is now being done . We think this is the next traffic study after Bedford Street. The Planning Board feels the need of Engineering Studies for Worthen Road . Whether this means money in this Town Meeting, we are not prepared to say. Mr. Cataldo said that the Warrant closes this week, should decide tonight . The Chairman asked how comprehensive a study, en- compass 1/3 or 1/4 of Town. Mr. Greeley said in order to make intelligent de- cision, we should have more concrete information on Marrett Road to Pleasant Street . What would be the effect on Waltham Street if we didn' t put this section of Worthen Road through We don ' t think the State figures are in sufficient detail to rely on. Mr. Cataldo said if we decided to wait, what would Planning Board ' s approach be? Would we be making a mistake? On subdivision submitted from that 'area? LD() I4 Mr. Greeley said that the Planning Board would try to handle it . Mr. Mabee said to handle with normal subdivision approval Mr. Greeley said , if a proposal to do something with Montessori School came in, they would be concerned. Have to watch that situation. The Chairman said it is the opinion of the Planning Board that Worthen Road be discussed at some time in the future. Mr. Greeley said the Planning Board agrees that the request of the Lexington Golf Club for eleven acres of land be granted The land is to be restricted to assure against residental use. Mr Greeley said that 24-26 Muzzey Street, option to buy backland Muzzey Mr Gray said survey underway; there would be an Street exact description, not yet available Lexington Mrs. Riffin asked if there were articles dealing with Center Center Beautification The Chairman replied the Board had not discussed Articles Mr Greeley mentioned Bedford Street between Hartwell and Route 128 - series of zoning amendments which are unconventional, cut zoning into variety of zones , varied use of land , don ' t think Town wants strip of motels . Town may want to purchase parcel of land located at Hartwell Ave. and Bedford St at the Cemetery owned by C. C. & F. Bedford This will permit offices , Ford dealership, Gulf station Street and Tradesman Park area. Think something should be made available to Town at relatively small purchase price. The Planning Board is very interested in widening of Bedford Street. Mr. Greeley mentioned sidewalks - do not expect to come in with specific proposal for long range program this year. There are large number of sections where sidewalks are needed . We recommend $30,000 expenditure for ten years. The Chairman asked if Capital Expenditures had been notified Mr Greeley replied that they had talked statement of policy Mr. Cataldo asked if it were an additional $30,000 to what was not being spent Mr. Greeley said that they had not gone far enough to know which ones How much additional, he could not say. Mr. Mabee asked if the Planning Board would be content if Town spent $30,000 and Mr Greeley replied in the negative. Mr Mabee said thawoulbe eenditures of $70,000. r gree ey said itwas less; they should take 281 the step this year The Chairman asked if this were true, wouldn' t it be true in case of sewer Doing the things that have to be done , keeping up With the needs of the Town. Mr Greeley replied the proposal to spend $30,000 - if we take some kind of perspective of their needs Chairman asked to extend it to sewers Mr. Greeley said that the Planning Board supports this . Mr. Greeley brought up another item - Lincoln Street. The question that was referred to the Planning Board , Lincoln 4Mn Snow Study Plan , should it be accepted as governing? Street The Chairman said it should be followed, except for a good , logical reason. Mr. Greeley said his answer was that it should be accepted as Controlling Plan; didn' t know whether there are appropriate reasons khy they should be changed . Mr. Cataldo said the Board had signed plan. Should we take Center Playground layout and evaluate it to see if we can save $100,000 or $200,000. Mrs. Riffin asked about proposed Jr. High at this location. Mr Cataldo said the enclosed field would be moved to Lincoln Street Should we leave enclosed field where it is. Are we going to evaluate whole area? The Committee would like strictly the whole area and come back with layouts after we see what the School Committee and Recreation Committee wants The Chairman said at this particular point, should there be an Article in Warrant? Mr. Cataldo said the Planning Board mentioned before if there is some money spent they would rather spend it on acquisition rather than development Mr Zaleski said there should be some money. Mentioned parking lot drainage. Mr. Cataldo said the Board has no need for this area. The need is the School and Recreation Dept If we are just going for design - money, I would like to include money to seed it down. Whatever is done would be the beginning of a plan, 6" or 8" of gravel and seed it down with some hay seed. I was not saying loam and seed Mr Cole asked how much money was to be asked for, $20,000 or $25,000? The Chairman said the less money asked for, the better; the Board had talked $100,000 a year for 3 years. Mr. Ctaldo said that basically, the School Committee was desperate for area; should take that into consideration. 282 w_ Mr Fowler asked if there was enough money for detailed engineering plans . I think we ought to go ahead, come up with three designs and present them to Town Meeting. Mr. Cataldo said a Committee had been formed including Planning Board, Recreation and School Committee. Will come up with functions and uses Mr. McSweeney, Mr Gray, Mr. Zaleski and the Board came up with parking and drainage We will compile all these facts and have a consultant lay the area out . The Chairman asked how much money would be needed for the design. Mr. Cataldo replied the School Dept. has made $1,000. available. Mr. Mabee said only have design money at this Town meeting. Can ' t see spending money on oonstruction. Mr. Cataldo said if we are going to design this area this year we should start implementation this year. Mr Fowler: What function would consultant perform? Mr. Cataldo said what field is going where. Mr. Cataldo said the Board should decide to start development project in March. If not, there is no great hurry to design it The Chairman said an Article should be put in for "x" number of dollars, none of which commits it to any final design and asked how much money for Lincoln Street this year. An amount could not be agreed upon. Mr Worrell said they might endanger the request for land acquisition; could not ask for too much development money The Chairman asked where the line should be drawn on land acquisition and development. Mr Worrell said they may not have much freedom on land acquisition. Mr. Cataldo reminded the Planning Board of letter of criticism from them for not developing Lincoln St . two years ago. Mr. Cataldo asked if the Boards agreed an Article should be put in on Lexington Center. Mr. Greeley said zoning change. Mr. Gray said finally got cost figures together on Lexington Center beautification. Funds available from last year. Mentioned continuing to Edison Way. Lexington Will have figures very shortly to extend the rest of Center the way. Have Article if Board approves . Mr. Kenney said there should be an article for Center Parking behind Depositors' Trust Mr. Cataldo said Construction Article Mr. Kenney said design for whole area construction or part of it 283 Mr. Cataldo asked about Worthen Road study. Mr. Greeley said to ask for money that an overall study be done. Mr. Cataldo said he thought the only way we are going to come up with intelligent decision . Mr Gray said that Mr McSweeney could come up with cost figures for study and asked if they were sure of environs of study. Mr. Zaleski mentioned Planning Board study on areas, the more we can include in this Include Burlington Shopping Center , traffic problem The Planning Board retired Mr. Legro came into the meeting. Mr. Scanlon, Mr Williams and Mr. Melbye of the Housidg Authority met with Board . Mr. Scanlon said the problem is with electric utilities , whether to go over- head or underground . Preliminary figures estimate $22,000. to put below ground. Project costs are running considerably higher However, Boston Edison Company has several different companies as to commitments. The in- formation is that Municipal Light Department has different policy. Asking Board for total costs from what they re- ceived from Engineer to go underground in project. If overhead, install 10 or 12 poles around project; cost per pole size of lights $34 20 to $54.00. Below ground, would drop wire in ditch that Housing had provided , digging trench and back filling at Housing cost . The cost estimate $107 00 to $130.00 per light. In opened ditch would drop in major conduit, location of pads for transformers Have to dig two ditches, $1200. cost , to open and back fill atter line is put in around . Electric Co. will erect poles Would be connected to Town lighting system. The question is whether the Town will pay or Housing Authority The Chairman asked who owns the property Mr. Scanlon replied it was owned by Housing. Would do it as overall project Set by legislation for 40 years . Mr Cataldo asked how much money was involved ; 12 units underground, $130 over $107. multiplied by 12, $1560.00. The Chairman asked if Housing had decided on lumens . Mr. Gray said the Town has been putting in 7,000, now 11,000, downtown 35,000 Mr. Scanlon said 7,000 Mr. Gray suggested 11,000. Mr. Scanlon said it would be $600 or $700. or $1560. Mr Cataldo asked, if Town said no. Mr. Scannell said figured roughly $2500. cost for ditches, to lay conduits will cost $10,000. , and initial cost to go underground Asked if Town would pay $1560 or $650. 84 c' The Chairman asked the Board if an answer could be given in the affirmative. Mr. Kenney asked if it were customary for towns to pay for lighting. Mr. Scanlon replied that some do, same don ' t. Mr. Legro said there are provisions in statutes for appropriation in towns for Housing. The Chairman asked in what circumstances do we have Overhead that right. Almost like individual land owner, even or under- though Town' s future interest not be subdivision control. ground Ultimate objective to take over . lighting Mr Mabee said take over in a year or two. Mr Scanlon said that streets are built to Town specifications. Mr. Gray said if Town did accept, would be public ways . Mr. Legro said, authority to light public ways, these streets are not constructed yet . Mr. Gray said Housing would not need Town Meeting to approve, if included in our light budget Mr. Burnell asked if these streets are built to Town' s specifications. Mr. Scanlon replied it was the same layout as Shirley Mr Kenney asked what advantage to Town picking up tab. Mr Scanlon said Housing must be careful. These are authorized over 40 yrs For every $1 00 we spend , we must add on to rental of apartment unit Rentals are $60 .00 per month. Mr. Williams said that exact kind of budget money is not something they would elect to determine until all costs were in. No answer at this time. The Chairman asked as to cost of lighting, which do they want Town to pay, $600. or $1500. and how soon would they want to know Mr. Williams said that basically, irrespective of ownership, whether or not it is deserving of underground services. If the street lighting is determined, could be absorbed by Town. Actually, Board has not taken this into recognizance. The Chairman said the Board must determine if it can be done. Would put in lighting budget and asked if Housing Authority wanted underground or not . Mr Burnell said he would like to encourage underground. Mr. Cataldo how much underground. And Mr Scanlon replied, everything. The Chairman said that annual costs for lighting streets in Article 4. Could just add that in. If assume costs to light, will Town still provide if still underground . Mr. Legro said that he did not see any problem if there is any authority to appropriate money. Mr. Cataldo said that on subdivision that comesin, lights installed Mr Legro said he would like to be sure Towr is picking 285 up the tab for furnishing street lights in Housing Authority area which may be entirely different thing from any sub- division which may become part of Town. Would like to check reliance. Mr. Mabee asked if subdivision are feet of street acquired or easement. Mr Legro replied it was an easement Mr. Cataldo said on Emerson Road . . Mr. Legro said that he didn't know of any provision that subdivider continues to pay, not familiar with it . Becomes part of our cost for lighting the Town Mr. Gray said there was petition for lights on Worthen Road . The Chairman said the Board is willing to pick up tab for $15604 Budget Article 4; insist they be underground , provided Town Counsel tells us we can do so. Mr Legro said the distinction is not between Housing Development and private development; depend on authority given by statute Mr Kenney asked if Town plows unaccepted streets . Mr. McSweeney said for future acceptance of streets , want boundaries changed; Town to take over assessments . Mr. Legro said until LSO years expire, presume Town will have to accept it. Wilzig 40 year period, the .Hou§ing Authority will continue to own land. All Town would take is easement. Mr Cataldo asked when the units would be ready to rent and Mr. Scanlon replied he hoped in May, but might be August The Housing Authority retired Mr Legro requested the Board to rescind and adopt a new Order of Taking on a parcel of land in Peacock Farm on September 25, 1967. Peacock Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Farm rescind Order of Taking on Lot 16 on Land Court Plan 27502B in Peacock Farm, Section 6 subdivision. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the Order of Taking on Lot 16 on Land Court Plan 27502B in Peacock Farm, Section 6 subdivision. Mr. Gray requested authorization, under Article 17, to proceed with design of Bedford Street sewer Mr Mabeeasked about the timing and Mr Gray re- plied, it would be in the spring Mr. Kenney asked if it could be included in the Bedford regular sewer budget Street Mr. Gray replied that money would not be available Sewer until April first. The Chairman said that this Article is specifically designed Mr Gray said there would be problems. Mr. Cataldo said Town should use $250,000 on existing areasAr Kenney said to go back and ask for more 286 a 4-11 The Chairman asked how much, $61,000 or $65,000. ' Mr. Mabee said, actual expenditure. Mr. Gray said , we will give report Decision of Board whether to replenish Mr. Legro asked if any proposed subdivision sewer within limits of B & M right-of-way. He added , per- mission from B & M provided he indemnified them against almost anything. No point in coming to Board . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant authorization to proceed with design of Bedford Street sewer. Mr. Gray read a letter from Mrs. Morey requesting a deferment for three years on water and sewer betterments Abatements amounting to $861.33 for sewer and $187.50 for water . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant deferment to Mrs . Morey for a three year period , sewer betterment of $861.33 and water, $187.50 Mr. Gray read a letter from Mr. Seymour Schwatz, requesting an abatement on sewer assessment on his property at 5 Brown Road . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted an abatement of $218.60 be granted to Mr. Seymour Schwatz Mr Gray read a letter from Mr Henry Delfiner, request- ing an abatement on sewer assessment on his property at 8 Brown Road. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted an abatement of $431.$9 be granted to Mr Henry Delfiner Mr Gray mentioned the Traffic Survey on Hartwell Traffic Avenue . He had talked with the Consultant and will Survey discuss with the Board on Monday evening, January 8, 1968. Hartwell The Board agreed to hold over one week. Mr Gray said that Mr. Perry, Comptroller, had asked Article for Warrant Article to be inserted to update our by-laws . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to insert the Article Mr. Gray requested that the Board amend the Taxi Regulations. He proposed deletion in Licenses for Drivers, paragraph a. "Such applicant shall be re- Taxi quired to show he is 21 years of age, or over, a Regulations citizen, a resident of the Town of Lexington," and substitute, "Such applicant shall be required to show—t-667 he is 21 years of age or over, and at least 18 years of age with an approved Driver Education Certificate." Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend the Taxi Regulations . 287 Mr Grayreferred to Oakmont a new cement lined pipe to Circle; be laid Mr Cataldo said they wanted $10.00 a foot to buy and lay pipe on unaccepted street; it could be bought Oakmont for $2.20 a foot Circle After discussion, upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to insert item in budget . Mr. Gray presented a request from Board of Health for $13 02 to be transferred from the Reserve Fund Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to request the Appropriations Committee to transfer $13 02 from the Reserve Fund to the Health-Engineering Account Mr Gray presented a request from the Structure of Town Government Committee for $2400 00 to be transferred from the Reserve fund. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the amount of $2400 00 from the Reserve Fund to the Structure of Town Government Committee, Article 49 Mr Gray presented a request for $850 00 to be transferred from the Reserve Fund for Nesbeda Land taking on sewer easement. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer $850.00 from the Reserve Fund for the Nesbeda land . Mr. Gray presented a request for $9,100 to be transferred from the Reserve Fund for overtime for snow removal. Public Works Personal Services Account. Transfers Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to request the Appropriations Committee to transfer $9100 00 to Public Works Personal Services Account for overtime snow removal Mr. Gray presented a request from the Police and Fire Board for $1500.00 to be transferred to the Police and Fire Medical Account . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriations Committee to transfer $1500 00 to the Police and Fire Medical Account . Mr Gray presented a request to transfer $12,250 00 from the Reserve Fund l'or snow removal . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriations Committee to transfer $12,250 to the Snow Removal Account . Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to a rove the followin C on Victualler licenses, Il ll Common ahaving been approved by the Board of Health: Victualler Anthony' s Restaurant, 27 Waltham Street ; Bakeri, Inc. 315 Marrett Road ; Muffin House of Lexington, 1710 Mass. Avenue Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve First Class Motor Vehicle Agency licenses for: Lexington Auto Sales 409 Mass . Ave. Agent' s Rowe Chevrolet 39 Bedford St License Colonial Garage 1668 Mass Ave. Auto Engineering, Inc. 436 Marrett Rd. Lawless-Matuhinne`y Motors , Inc. 581 Marrett Rd . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted ID cards to sign I D. cards for : Nancy D. Collins , 35 Smith Ave. , and Paul C. Hunt, 60 Bloomfield Street Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign Sewer Orders for: Hillcrest & Rawson Avenue Sewer Laconia Street Order Philip Road Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to approve Minutes the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held on December 26, 1968 Mr Mabee said the Tennis Club would like an answer to letter requesting a check valve. He felt they should have the check valve installed . Tennis The Chairman said to follow policy and refer to Club Town Counsel To forward all information to him. Mr Legro said that all he knew was that sewer had overflowed Liability for Town would be negligent maintenace of sewer, not negligence per se for sewer to overflow. The Chairman said to get pertinent information to Mr Legro Mr Legro told the Board that he would find out the cost of check valve The Chairman read a letter from Colonial Cable-TV and asked that an appointment be made for a hearing with the Board . Cummings Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Property grant a 30 day extension on Cummings property to February 5th. 289 Mr. Gray told the Board that Mr Leslie York had forwarded a letter received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recommending an Article to authorize Article formation of a financing authority Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to insert the Article in the Warrant Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public security, the finan- cial interest of the Town or the reputation of any person. Following discussion with Town Counsel, it was voted to adjourn at 11:40 P.M. A true record, Attest: Executive Clerk, Select en The next regular meeting of the Board will be held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building on Monday, January 8, 1968, at 7:30 P.M. �} nrei , 1 ` I r