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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1962-11-12-BOS-min20 SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 12, 1962 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, November 12, 1962, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Adams, Messrs. Cole and Brown were present. Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, was also present. Mrs. George P4. Morey, Mrs. Edwin B. Worthen, Jr., Messrs. Edwin B. "'orthen, Jr., Leslie H. York, and Denald Noyes met with the Board. Mrs. Morey stated that at the annual meeting of the Lexington Historical Society, in view of the fact someone just left a gift of $1,000 toward a museum, it was thought advisable to appoint a museum committee. The President of the Society appointed a committee to look into the museum situation and report. She explained that Mr. York volunteered to represent the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Worthen is the historian, Mrs. Worthen is the curator, and she is a member of the Lexington Historical Society; Mr. Charles Cole is the missing member of the group. She reported that they have met eeveral times to discuss the subject of a Historical museum. The society has more material and more museum valuable papers and properties than it has room for or area to display them and the Society recognizes the fact it needs more space. When they thought where such a space should be and building such a space, the Society is in the position of being unable to move be- cause a museum is an expensive proposition. She said the Historical Society just about breaks even on the support of the houses from dues, entrance fees and sales and the project of building a museum is just stupendous. She said it occurred to the committee that the own ha8 a responsibility since Lexington de- pends a great deal on its historical background, and there will be a large number of tourists after the National Park is opened. She said if there is to be a museum, some thought should be given as to where it will be located, how it will be done, who will start it and who will maintain it. The Chamber of Commerce has expressed interest inhaving an information booth and office open year round. She said for many years the subject of a comfort station has been discussed. She stated that the committee did not see where the TOWN OF LEXINGTON PRECINCT 9 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 5, 1984 VOTING AUTHORITY N9 1617 r iS CERTIFICATE MUST BE HANDED TO THE ELECTION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE VOTING MACHINES IN ORDER TO VOTE. 'YAtAit Town Clerk 21 Society could get money to put into a museum.. She said before deciding the size needed for a museum, it seemed important to find out if the Board felt it was advisable to continue with the idea that this should be a Town venture; the museum to be turned over to the Town. The Chairman said this is more of a question of ways and means and where than need. Mrs. Morey said the information booth should be open all year. The Chairman asked about the size of the building and location. Mr. York stated that there is still the feeling that people should visit the three houss, the admission fee to help defray the cost of these buildings. It seemed that there is more of a need for a small museum that could be changed in way of display. He said there is a greater need of a workshop area for the curator arid valuable records as the present vault is not adequate or satisfactory. The Chairman asked if anyone had discussed the subject with Mr. Small of theNational Historical Park. Mrs. Morey replied that she had asked him about the possibility of a museum, and he said fl.othing is planned for the present, and the only building would be one fof information. She asked if the Park would like an office and participate in the cost of a museum. He advised that the National Park does not participate. It either owns the building or does not own it, and she said they want no part of this. Mr. Noyes said they were thinking of a central core with a reception area and rest facilities, then a wing as a museum and a wing for administrative business for the Chamber of Commerce or Red Cross. He said they would like to get some money at a Town Meeting for a study. Mrs. Morey said the committee does not know just where to go as the Society cannot erect a building for a long time because raising $50,000, as a minimum, would take a long time. he said if the Board felt this should be a Town museum, it could ask the Historical Society to administer it. She asked if the Board felt a museum was the Town's responsibility. The Chairman asked if it would be diorama. Mr. York replied it would be available so all the spots would be shown on a diorama. Mr. Worthen explained that it would be an orien- tation point. The Chairman said the next step is, the group wants the Board's agreement to present this to a 22 Town Meeting so there would be something official. Mr. Worthen asked if the Town Meeting Members should not show partiality to the Historical Society or the Chamber of Commerce. The Chairman said he could not think of any other group that is townwide or of interest to tourists. Mrs. Morey said there would be a central infor- mation center open all year. The Chamber of Commerce would staff the booth and the Historical Society would oversee the zuseum, maybe with some financial assistance, plus a full-time curator who would have to be paid. Mr. Worthen explained that the curator could not be on a voluntary basis. The Chairman, speaking for the Board, agreed to include an article in the warrant for the March Town Meeting. Mrs. Morey stated that an appropriation of $2,500 for an architectural study should be requested. The group retired at 8:05 P.M. Mr. Edward F. Donnelly, 70 St. James hoed Extension, Medford, applicant for the position of Executive Assistant, met with the Board. The Chairman asked him what he had done and he re- plied he handled all personnel. He served as a Personnel Director as far as employing people, making up duties, Executive and position to be filled were concerned. He handled Assistant Civil Service material, kept records pertaining to increments and had authority to act on questions rela- tive to sickleave. He was in charge of preparing budgets, writing the budget message andwatching accounts, particularly at the end of the year. The Chairman explained that when the previous Executive Assistant was engaged, there were no specifi- cations for the position. He also explained the work done relative to land acquisition for the dump site. Mr. Donnelly stated that he hs been involved with the sale of land, but all land acquisitions were handled by the legal department, and he has never done any negotiating. He said he handled 95% of the communi- cations to the City Council. The Chairman explained the position of Superintend- ent of Public works, and said he handled all construction, the Town Office Building, Cary Building and Police Build- ing. He stated that there has been a lack of coordination between the departments. He also stated that an Execu- tive Assistant has no legal standing. Mr. Donnelly asked why ,,he previous Executive Assist- ant left, and the Chairman replied that he took a better position in Salem, New Hampshire. He said he was used to being a Town Manager and felt therewas not enough to do here. The Chairman said he was sure had he remained, there would have been enough to keep him busy.,[ He also ex- plained the salary By -Law, which he said Mr. Evans recom- mended be administered by the Executive Assistant. Mr. Donnelly reported that he has worked with Mr. Evans and is familiar with his type of recommendation. In reply to the Chairman's questions, Mr.Donnelly replied.thst he is receiving $8,000 and is entitled to an automatic increase. He said he would want to give a month's notice, particularly at this time of year. The Chairman said it would be better to start some- one in January. Mr. Donnelly said he was not clear about the duties. The Chairman explained that first the Executive Assistant would carry out the actions of the Board on everything except what the Superintendent of Public Works does. He would also keep in touch with what is going on in other departments. He said the Board hopes to get started on a centralized purchasing system. The Executive Assistant would also take telephone calls and handle complaints. He explained that he would be act- ing as agent for the Board. He said he would lack well defined authority in many cases and this is some- thing that will have to be worked out. He said if this does work out, the Board might adopt the Executive Secretary act. He said there has to be some central- ized form of administration and this is a start. He said the Board should be represented at State meetings and wants someone with imagination and iB ct. Mr. Donnelly said he was Chairman of the Massachu- setts Personnel Boards Association and was active in a chapter of the American Society of Public Administration. He has also spoken before committees relative tobills. The Chairman said the Board would be in touch with Mr. Donnelly as there are several more applicants to interview. Mr. Donnelly retired at 8:30 P.M. Mrs. Sidney Williams, Messrs.George E. Cooper, Malcolm R. Gavin and Paul B. W.st, Executive Committee of the Town Meeting Members Association, met with the Board relative to the new property assessments. Mr. West explained that the committee has pro- posed a text booklet with land assessment and house assessment in it to be sold for $1.50 and is in hopes the Board can help on information the committee lacks. 23 Assessments 24 He said they propose one initial book and then have a supplement or a couple of pages in the Town Report, and asked how the information could be obtained from the Board of Assessors to the printer. The Chairman explained that the Town of Winchester had the Assessing Department prepare the copy as part of its job. He said he supposed the department would want more clerical help. Mr. West asked if the $1,50 included clerical help in the Assessors' office, and the Chairman replied in the negative. Mr. West asked if the Board had a fund the com- mittee could borrow from and pay the amount back later. The Chairman replied in the negative and explained that any money coming in would have to go into the Ex- cess and Deficiency Account. He asked if the committee had thought of the Assessors carrying this as part of their expenses. Mr. West said he thought 4,000 or 5,000 could be soli. The Chairman said he thought they were high in their estimates and said propably only 400 or 500 would. be needed. He said the real estate people would want them because this would save them time. He did not feel that the general citizenry would be interested. Mr. West said Winchester originally published 5500 and dropped to 700, and finally discontinued the practice. One of the group said people will not go down to the Assessors' office and compare notes but if they had one of these books, they would compare assessments. He asked if the Board was suggesting that this be included in the Assessors' budget. The Chairman replied that was only his personal opinion, but this is an official town document. He said if the book is done in offset, the plates could be saved and extra reprints are not so expensive. He suggested that the group discuss the subject with a printer. The Chairman explained that the Selectmen appoint the Board of Assessors but beyond that they work under the State. He recommended thatthe group meet with the Assessors and said they might welcome some con- structive ideas. One of the group said the committee would like hearings advertised on abatements so the abutters would be informed. He asked if it would be possible to have an abatement form published in the paper and the Chair- man said he would publish one. One of the group asked if the Board of Selectmen was in favor of the project, and the Chairman replied he was 100%. The group retired at 8:45 P.M. Mr. :Colby Kelly and Mr. Adolph Samborski, Recre- ation Committee, met with the Board. Mr. Kelly reported thatthe Lexington Jaycees ap- proached the Recreation Committee some weeks ago wanting to do something for the Town. They have proposed building a warming hut at the reservoir andthe subject has been discussed by the Committee with Mr. Carroll and the plans seem to be acceptable to him. The Com- mittee recommends that the Town accept the offer. He explained it would be a four-sided building with an open front and would be constructed between the parking lot and the reservoir to discourage parking on Marrett Road. He said if the hut is accepted by the Town, it is suggested that the exact location be discussed with Mr. Carroll. He said the hut would be presented at no cost to the Town. The Chairman said he thought Town Counsel would prepare a hold harmless agreement and he would have him contact Mr. Kelly. He asked if the Recreation Committee had discussed this with the Planning Board. Mr. Kelly replied in the negative. He said the Committee has talked with Mr. Snow on the reservoir area in general, but there is nothing that comes within the area they were talking about. He said the but is a temporary building and could be moved. He said he would mention it to the Planning Board. Mr. Kelly suggested that Mr. Legro be asked if the Jaycees could proceed with the hut before Town Meeting, and if he advises thatit is all right, they will have a liability agreement signed. If he thinks they should wait until after the January Town Meeting, they will wait. The group retired. Warming hut The Chairman read a letter from Mr. William Roger Greeley advising that the Laymen's League of the First Parish Church voted to propose to the Board that it appoint a temporary informal committee to study the situation in Lexington to discover whether or not con- Housing ditions appeared to make it advisable to have a local Committee Housing Committee, appointed by the Board, to work out a solution that would provide housing for at least some of the most eligible persons. The duties of the committee, if appointed, would be to study the Lexington conditions and report tothe Board in order that a proper judgment can be made as to whether to work up a program or abandon the project. No money is involved in the study. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the following individuals to serve on a tempo- rary.informal committee: William Roger Greeley, Austin W. 26 Fisher, Sr., George M. Fuller, Reverend Floyd J. Taylor, I and Edwin A. Bennett. It was also suggested that the committee be kept flexible so that any other citizen in- terested in the subject could be appointed at a later date. Letter from Mr. Roy J. Prohaska, New Castle, New Dump Hampshire, relative to lots 32 and 33, Block 80, Farley site Street, taken for the dump site, was referred to Mown Counsel. Carrig Letter from Mr. James A. Carrig, relative to a assessment sewer assessment in the amount of $709.24 was held over pending report from Mr. Carroll. Mrs. Adelaide Sullivan, 323 Lincoln Street, re- ported to the Clerk that she is unable to obtain signatures on a petition for the installation of the sewer from Barrymeade Drive to Marrett Road. She claimed that another property is connected to the Sewer Barrymeade Drive sewer and wanted to know why she cannot connect and what the cost would be. Decision was held over until the next meeting of the Board, at which time the subject will be discussed further with Mr. Carroll. The Chairman read a letter from the State Depart- ment of Public Works, advising that approval has been Traffic given for the installation of a semi -actuated traffic control signal on Route 2A at Lowell Street and the project will begin as quickly as specifications can be prepared and a contract awarded. Letter from the Recreaticn Committee with refer- ence to the use of the central land area for recre- Recreation ational purposes was held over until the Committee meets with the Board to discuss. budgets. The Clerk was instructed to ask the Planning Board for continents on the recommendations outlined in the letter. Letter from Mrs. Hannah Mollo-Christensen, Health and Safety Council of the Franklin School P.T.A., rela- Traffic tive to traffic control at Bridge Street, Marrett Road and Waltham Street, was referred to the Traffic Study Committee. Appointment of an Associate Member of the Board of Appeals was held over. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Maurice Healy, Director of Veterans* Services, requesting a transfer 26 of $1500. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Healy and the Town Accountant be invited to meet with the Board Transfer at its next meeting to discuss the necessity of a transfer. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting held Minutes on November 5, 1962. Report from Mr. Donald K. Irwin, Building In- spector, relative to the status of the Carriage House Restaurant, was noted and placed on file. A statement of 1963 membership dues, Massachu- setts League of Cities and Towns, in the amount of Dues $543.82, was received. The Clerk wa: instructed to include the item in. the 1963 budget. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a Taxi Driver's license to David S. Fleming, License Jr., 9 Duncan Road, Burlington, subject to receipt of satisfactory character reference from Chief Rycroft. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to renew Package Goods Store Licenses to Lexington Liquor Mart, Inc., 1849 Massachusetts Avenue, and Berman's Market, 55 Massachusetts Avenue, subject to approval of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M. A true record, Attest: /?e' Qi f4!-! ittiveClerl, Select rine: Licenses