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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1962-04-02-BOS-min 33.8 SELECTINS MEETING April 2, 1962 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmenrs Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, April 2, 1962 at 7 :30 P.M. Chairman Adams, Messrs . Richards, Cole, Brown and Burnell were present . Mr . Stevens, Town Counsel, Mr. Staples, Executive As- sistant, Mr. John 3. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were present . The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Robert W. Carrig, requesting abatements of thebetterment sewer b tt er!11e t assessments levied against lots 109 and 110 Lawrence Lane . Mr. Carroll explained that when the sewer was constructed over to Lawrence Lane, it was brought across by the 1775 House and ran up through these two lots . He said at the time the trunk sewer was put in, better- ments were assessed on these two lots because he figured if a building were constructed on either lot , it could Sewer bet- connect to the sewer and because there was no main in terments Lawrence Lane , he computed the lots. However, in • Carrig computing the betterments, using the entire street this year, there is a difference of approximately $100 • less on each lot . He said that in his opinion the betterments should be abated as requested. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to abate the sanitary sewer assessment levied against lot 109, Lawrence Lane, by an amount of $128. 32 and to abate the sanitary sewer assessment levied against lot 110, Lawrence Lane, by an amount of $109. 14. The Chairman r@ad a. latter. fr4b".'- Mr. Harpy Hogan, 12 Vaille Avenue, relative to the timing of the traffic traffic light at Massachusetts Avenue and Waltham Street . It was decided to refer the subject to the Traffic Committee. Mr. Burnell agreed to represent the Board on the Committee. Mr. Mark Moore, Mr. Friel and another gentleman, representing the Boston Edison Company, met with the Board. Mr . More presented a plan ofthe Bowser Saddle Bowser Club Estates , Section 1 subdivision, and stated that Estates this is an area in which he plans to have underground lighting electric wiring. He explained that this program 339 will require some street lighting and he would like to know what the Town will do insofar as the standards are concerned. He said that it now appears there will be eight in the first section and three in the second secticn. The Chairman said that the ordinary type of pole costs about $26 a year . The Edison representative stated tht it would be $39.60 on the overhead. The Chairman said it has been the policy of the Town to pay for the regular type pole and regular type Street light and he would like to know what the difference in lighting cost would be. Bowser The Boston Edison representative stated it would Estates be about $76.80 per year. Mr. Moore explained that the installation would be his responsibility, that the company supplies the poles and charges the Town owr. a yearly fee. Mr . Carroll stated that if the developer did all the underground work, it would cost the Town about $7$ a year for each light instead of the present charge of 825. Mr. Richards asked if, for one unit, the difference between the two would be $39 .60 and 876.80. Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative. Mr. Richards said he understood there is advantage to putting the wires underground ana that he felt the elimination of poles would be to the Town' s advantage. He stated that the Town does not have any money for construction.. He asked how the initial charge would be handled. Mr. Friel said he assumed that the contractor would do whatever the company recuires , and the company would supply the posts . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it way voted. to authorize the installation of the number of poles necessary to effect an undergound installation for lighting the Bowser Saddle Club Estates, Section 1. The group retired at 8:07 P .M. Chief Rycroft met with the Board for opening of bids for four new police cruisers . Sealed bids were opened by the Chairman. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the net bid of $1921.79 submitted by Dunn Bids on Ford Sales, Inc . for a standard size Ford Galaxie as Police specified; no trade-in. Cruisers Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the net bid of $1250.00 for a 1962 Plymouth Police Special Patroller; a 1961 Ford, #lE31V176715 to be taken in trade and to accept the net bid of $1250 for 344 av a 1962 Plymouth Police Special Patroller; a 1961 Ford, -;1E31V176716 to be taken in trade, submitted by Mawhinney Motor Sales, Inc . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the net bid of $1910 submitted by Rowe-Jackson • Chevrolet, Inc. , for a 1962 Chevrolet, 2-door sedan; no trade-in. Chief Rycroft retired at 8:30 P .M. Mr. Charles Tasjian, 20 Fairbanks Road, Mr. Alton T. Jon, 16 Tufts Road, and others, met with the Board to discuss acceptance of streets in Cary Acres . Cary Acres Mr. Tasjian said he would like to find out what can be done to get Fairbanks Road and Tufts Road ac- cepted. The Chairman explained that the subject had been discussed earlier in the evening and stated that there are some easements that the Town must obtain before the streets can be accepted. He said the Board had conferred with Town Counsel who will try to get the matter expedited as quickly as possible . Mr . Carroll explained that once these problems are solved, the streets can be accepted at any Town Meeting . He stated that the methods in obtaining easements have changed since this area was developed so that there are no longer these problems in obtain- ing them. Mr. Tasjian, asked if a petition for acceptance of the street would have to be submitted and Mr. Carroll said he did not think it would be necessary. Mr. Alton T . Jon asked if the Board could give him any idea as to the timing. The Chairman replied that he did not see how a time could be established but he could advise him of what progress is being made . Mr.Jon mentioned the bond and Mr. Carroll ex- plained that a bonding company has never been asked to come in and finish a subdivision. He sated that it is never satisfactory to have a bonding company come in. The Chairman said. that it is much better to obtain the easements . The group retired at 8:4C P.M. Mr. Spins met with the Board, and stated that he and Mr. Carroll spent some time this morningdis- cussing sidewalks and he thought they now had a better understanding of the problems involved. which he had Sidewalks not known existed. The 1962 budget request for sidewalks was dis- cussed, the first project being Greve Street . Mr . Spins said that about $1500 or $2000 could be saved 341 • in transportation expenses if the 32 children now going by bus could walk to school. He retorted that without sidewalks, the School Committee does not feel these children should be asked to walk because in the morning there is rather heavy traffic . The amount estimated for this sidewalk is $25,000. Mr . Spiris said ths sidewalk from the entrance to the Estabrook School to Burlington Street could be delayed until the Route 128 construction is finished. Mr. Carroll said the proposed sidewalk on Massachu- setts Avenue from Pelham Road to Percy Road would be very costly. He and tr. Spiris thought this section could be eliminated as the children could use Tavern Lane. The portion from Pelham Road to Marrett Road is estimated tc cost $3,000 . Mr. Carroll referred tc the proposed sidewalk for Lowell Street and said his original estimate of $4, 000 was low and he thought it should be $10,000. Mr. Spiris said the pupil count here is twenty-five . Mr. Spiris and Mr. Carroll recommended postponing construction of a sidewalk on Wood Street until the pro- posed relocation of Massachusetts Avenue and Wood Street is completed. Mr . Carroll explained that the request for a side- walk on Marrett Road from Five Forks to #511 Marrett Road duplicates the sidewalk on the other side of the street . Mr. Richards asked if it would not be better to Iinish the sidewalk from Cary Avenue to Spring Street on the side opposite the reservoir. Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative, and Mr . Spiris agreed. He said there are twenty-two children involved here. He explained that the School Committee regulations state that where there is a sidewalk on one side of the street only, that the parents will have to assume the responsibility of getting the children to the sidewalk . The estimate for this sidewalk is $5,000. Mr. Carroll said one sidewalk, he and Mr. Spiris discussed, was not included in the budget list and that is Crosby Boad. He reported they both feel this should be built and granite curbing should be put in. The estimate is $3,000. The total amount involved in the sidewalks as dis- cussed is $46, 000. Mr. Carroll said there is a good sidewalk that can be plowed from Waltham Street to Stedman Road and there is a fairly thin broken sidewalk from there on that should be resurfaced if it is tc be plowed. 342. r .c a> Mir. Spiris said the pupil count here is thirteen. Mn- . Carrollsaid actually, it all could be plowed. Mr. Burnell asked if the sidewalk from Spring Street to Waltham Street could be fixed so that it could be plowed. Mr. Carroll stated it is all dirt and there are a number of trees involved. Mr. Burnell said there is considerable pedestrian traffic here. Mr. Cole asked if there were more critical school areas than the ones discussed and Mr. Spiris replied this constitutes the priority list. Mr. Carroll suggested that he and Mr. Spiris get together during the year , plot all the shools and determine areas where there are sidewalks and where there are no sidewalks and prepare a plan to be fol- lowed in the next two years . Mr. Spins said one of the things they take into consideration is whether or not the sidewalks can be used by children so they will not have to be trans- ported. The Chairman said he thought when new buildings are planned, a study should be made of the sidewalks . Mr. Carroll reported that he had talked to Mr . King, of the State Department of Public Works, rela- tive to the sidewalk on Marrett Road. He said he thought the State would pay for it , theonly problem time . It will probably not e done until 1963 or 196L. He asked if the Board wanted to go in here and spend the money or wait for the State . Mr. Richards said he was not concerned about the area from Bacon Street . We did. think the area from Spring Street to Cary Avenue should be done because of the activities in the comipereial zone . The Board authorized Mr. Carroll to have side- walks constructed as discussed, totaling $46,000 . Mr. Spiris retired at 9:00 P.M. Petition was received, signed by residents in the Dunham and Utica Streets area, demanding that the water holes and open wells be corrected for the safety of the children. Mr. Staples reported that there are more than Water holes two ponds there and the wells are on property owrd d and open by Mr . ym r Eo_n0. wells Mr . Richards explained that the Board has the power to make an individual close or cove_ a well. The Chairman said the Board could write the owner of the land andask him to attend a Board meeting. 343 = Mr. Richards said the Board has to determine whether or not the Town has any right to take any actio.": on the ponds . The Chairman said there are other places in Town equally as bad. Mr. Burnell said if the Board takes care of this one, it could take care of the North Street pit next, and he hoped some way could be found to eliminate the dangers . Mr. Richards asked how much the Board is per- mitted to do . It was agreed to acknowledge receipt of the petition and wait for a legal opinion from Mr. Stevens. Mr. Carroll retired at 9:10 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into executive session for the purpose of dis- cussing, deliberating or voting on a matter which, if mane public, might adversely affect the public security the financial interest of the Town ,or the reputation of any person. Mr. John P. Blaisdell, Chairman of the Approori- ation Committee, met with the Board and the subject of appointment of a Town Accountant was . discussed. Mr. Blaisdell retired at 9:35 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Mr. Edmund P. Nawoichik, Jr. , 16 Nichols Road, and his mother, met with the Board. The Chairman explained that the hearing was being held to show cause why a taxi drivers license should not be revoked or suspended. He explained that a letter had been received from the Chief of Police ad- vising that Mr. Nawoichik was fined $19 in the Concord District Court on March 26 for speeding. Taxilicense i_c cnse The Chairman asked if Mr. Nawoichik had a license to drive ataxi and he replied in the negative. The Chairman asked if he was driving a taxi at the time and he replied in the affirmative . The Chairman asked if there was anything he wanted to say and he replied that the onlyhada;,, thing he to s_� is that he was speeding. Mr. Richards asked if he had applied for a license before March 1, and Mr . Nawoichik replied that he applied on January 9 or 10. Mr. Richards asked if he paid for it and he replied in the negative. LL Mr. Richards asked if. he has been employed by the Lexington Cab Company as a regular employee fro;". January 344 1414 sic through Mar cn and `Nao criik repl , •i in the affirmative . Mr. Richards said Mr. Nawoichik. was aware of the fact he had to rave a taxi driver' s license but did nothing further when be r alined he did not have one. He asked if he spoke to anyone for whom he worked about the license. Mr.lr. Nawoichik replied what he told his employer he had -plied for one . Mr. Cole asked when be told his employer he did not have a license and Mr Nawoichik replied she asked him Friday iday or Saturday and he told hen he did not have one . Mr . Cole asked if, at any time, his employer asked if he received a license, and Mr . Nawoichik replied in the negative . The Chairthan asked if he drove a taxi without license for three months and kr . Nawoichik replied that he drove from January 7 . Mr. Richards asked if he ap. lied for a license before or after he was in Court , and he replied it was after . The Chairman declared pre hearing closed. Nawoicbik asked if, in the meantime, her son 000ld drive a taxi . The Chairman r" plied in the negative, and Mr. Richards told her that he had no license to drive a taxi . Mr. Nawoichik asked if the Boar...,. would vote on whether or not he should receive a license , and Mr . Richards replied t _at the Board would vote on whether !, or not a license shooly be suspended if he had one . Mr. and Mrs . Nawoichik retired at 9:45 P .M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that Mr. Nawoicr_ike s app icat'_on for a Taxi DLL iv er , s license be denied. Mr. Jams R. Gannon, 511 Bedford Street, did not attend the hearing or reply to the Boare , s letter of Taxi Driver March 29, 1962. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to revoke the Taxi Drives ' s license issued to Mr. James R. Gannon. It wa._ agreed to write the Lexington Cab Company r& ative to Mr. Nawoichik and advise t further violations of this nature ✓ ill_ cause disciplinary action to be taken gain st the operation of ataxicab business s in the Town . Letter was received from the Lexington Junior Chamber of Commerce requesting permission to operate a refreshment stand in the driveway of the Lass Funeral' Home on April. 19: The Board-had- no objection. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen 's Meetings held Minutes March 26 and March 28. Letter was received from Paul B. Lloyd, on behalf of the 4-H Horse Club, requesting permission to conduct the Club ' s Annual Horse Show May 13 on property owned Horse Show by Mrs. W. John Baski nd o ed ' the rear of the Porter Bros . ' greenho s s . Upon motion duly de krineconcied, it was voted that the request be granted. Upon motion duly made .and seconded, it was voted to approve a Continuation Certificate extending the Bond identified as No. 632130 in the amount of S1,000 Bond on behalf of the Executive Clerk, for a period of one year from April 1, 1962. Letter was received from George E. Alden, Arlington, offering SI00 for tax title lots 371 and 372 Philomen Steeet . Mr. Staples reported that this street begins in Arlington and does not have any exit in Lexington. He stated that Mr. Snow does not think a building permit could be issued because of the condition of the street . Tax Title There are no services in the street. The Chairman said, if the lots were sold, it could very well result in a request for services . Mr . Snow felt that inasmuch as this land abuts Whipple Hill, there might be some advantage to retain- ing ownership. Upon motion duly made and seconded,it was voted to reject the offer. Further consideration was given to Mr. Paul J. Gray' s offer of S200 each for tax title lots 465 and 466 Banks Avenue. Mr . Staples reported that there is no water or sewer in the street and there is a very serious drainage pro- blem. Tax Title Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reject the offer. Further consideration was given toMr. Stanley Chao ' s offer to purchase tax title lots located between Alpine Street, Colonial Avenue and Hayward Avenue; be- tween Alpine Street, Colonial Avenue and Wood Street . Tax Title Mr . Staples reported that at one time these lots were held because of a proposed location of the National Historical Park. He talked to the real estate St I 345 office of the National Historical Park in Lincoln and was informed that the line is down Hayward Avenue . However, Mr. Snow said the location is not known . In the meantime , a letter has been received ed from Maurice U. Healy relative to acquiring lots 230-23L Alpine Street . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that a proposal to sell the lots be advertised in the Lexington Minute-man and th _„ farther consideration be given to Mr•. Chao ° s offer at the next meeting of the Board. It was also agreed to advise Mr. Healy that a proposal to sell the lots will be advertised, and that if he is interested in acquiring any of them, he should submit an offer. Application for a Yearly Dump Permit was received from Richard Manley, 55 Suffolk Street, Medford; truck garaged in Stoneham. Dump Permit Mr. Manley is ih the tree business and has customers in Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the permit . Copy of the parade roster for the morning of April 19 was received. Letter from the Bay State Society for the Crippled and Handicapped relative to Crippled Childrenas Day was noted and placed on file . At 10: 35 P.M. , the Planning Board met with the Selectmen and held a lengthy discussion relative to the possibility of Route 3 going through Lexington. It was agreed that Mr . Snow would make an appointment Route 3 to see Mr. Olson, State Department of Public Works, and endeavor to obtain more definite information upon receipt of which he would send a memo to each member of the Board. Further action on annual appointments was held over . Mr. Brown mentioned that the Lexington Nurseries has a petition before the Board of Appeals for a buld- ing and maintenance of a sign and he has been advised that changes have been made without waiting for the hearing. 346 y.l Mr. Staples is o ask Mr. Irwin, Bulding In- spect _. or or a report . The meeting adjourned at 11:20 P .M. A true record, Attest. /. :xecavive Clerk, Selectr .n