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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1962-11-19-BOS-min28 Parking Meters SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 19, 1962 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, November 19, 1962, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Adams, Messrs. Cole, Richards, Brown and Burnell were present. Mr.Legro, Town Counsel., Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public "orks, and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present. Miss Agnes Bongiorno and Mr. Louis Bongiorno, representing Craft Cleansers, met with the Board. Miss Bongiorno said she had several problems, one of which is the location of a parking meter be- hind the boiler door which she said she could not open for emergencies. She spoke to the gentleman in charge and he moved the meter a couple of incn.es. She said she received many complaints today because people did not know that the meters are nicket meters and they have been putting in pennies, nickels and dimes. She said she did notthink it was fair to have nickel meters at Craft's with penny meters on the main busi- ness street. Mr. Bongiorno said that no customer is in the building for more than two .minutes and they think it is wrong. He said as far as the boiler room is concerned, it is a hardship. He said it is angle parking, and if one meter were taken out, the delivery truck could get in. He said he would not be able to get deliveries or service to the boiler. The Chairman said this is a public way and Mr. Bongiorno would like to see penny meters in there. Miss Bongiorno said she does not like to see meters at all. She said there are penny meters in the avenue and all the merchants thought these were Mr. Baker, Baker's Store, said he had two customers complain about the price. The Chairman explained that consideration was given before the meters were installed and from the recom- mendation of the people who studied it, most of the people in parking lots are there for more than one or two pennies. He said people were parking much longer and the Board took the recommendation of the Police Department on it. Miss Bongiono said she wanted someone to check the all day parkers but the Police Department would *going to be penny meters.. IND 1 29 not cooperate and asked what the merchants were sup- posed to do. The Chairman reported that the parking lot on the other side of the street had forty-eight all day parkers and the Board received numerous complaints. He said the answer is more police, and at the present time, the department h_ls five vacancies and no appli- cations have been received. He explained that the police check the meters at one o'clock, and if the car is still there at two o'clock, the violator is taken to court and states that he moved out and re- turned. He said the Board has to take the recom- mendation of the people who know. Mr. Brown reported that many people involved in putting notices in cars were parked all day themselves but now spaces are available. Mr. Bongiorno said that business must have traffic and when Edison Way was made one way, it took business away and the nickel:.. and dime parking meters will make the situation worse. The Chairman explained that the Board was receiving continual complaints from shoppers in Town because there were no parking spaces. Mr. Bongiorno asked about extending the parking area, and the Chairman stated that it will cost $40,000 to ex- tend the area and funds would have to be obtained at a Town Meeting. Mr. Bongiorno said he thought the merchants would be glad to hardtop the area, and the Chairman explained that the Town spent more money than the merchants were willing to contribute. He said the immediate concern is the penny meters in Edison Way. Miss Bongiorno said that was correct and to keep the fire door in the back of the building free. The Chairman said the Board would discuss the matter and let them know. Mr. Carroll said the fire door is not blocked and there is no problem there. The door can be opened. The group retired at 7:45 P.M. It was agreed to have penny parking meters from Massachusetts Avenue up to beyond the Craft Cleaners' establishment, No action was taken relative to eliminating the parking meter at the fire door in the back of the building. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the 30 Guy wire and anchor Boston Edison Company for permission to locate one guy wire and anchor on Burlington Street. Mr. Serverson, representing the Boston Edison Company, and Mrs. George P. Morey, 90 North Hancock Street, were present. Notice of the hearing was mailed to the peti- tioners, owners of the property as listed on the peti- tioners' plan and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Serverson explained the proposed location and indicated it on a plan. Mrs. Morey said the notice indicated that the petitioners wanted to put up one guy wire and there are two guy wires there at present. She said she thought one guy wire should replace three. Mr. Serverson said he did not realize there were two guy wires there until he looked at it today. He said he would check and see if two of them can be eliminated. The hearing was declared closed, no action to be taken until the Board hears further from the petitioners. Hearing w:ts declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Boston Edison Company for permission to locate one pole on Spring Street, hip guy and anchors. Hip guy Mr. Serverson explained the proposed pole location and anchors and Mr. Carroll opposed the proposed location. He stated this is a very dangerous and narrow part of the street, and he thought the pole should be moved back against the street line, if possible. Mr. Serverson said he thought the location could be moved as recommended by Mr. Carroll. Mr. Serverson exilained the proposed location of the hip guy and anchors to two women who were at the hearing and neither of them expressed any opposition. Mr. Carroll had no objection to the proposed location. Mr. Serverson and the two women retired at 7:55 P.M. Mr. Legro reported that the Planning Board had ob- tained an option for $1.00 from James J. Murphy and Bertha Murphy for five acres, Lot $A Grove Street, ad- jacent to the Baskin Playground area. He said the purchase price is $2500 and taxes are to be adjusted. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to exercise the option as presented by Mr. Legro. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to acquire Lot A grove Street for $2500. Lot $t Grove Street wt r Mr. Legro reported that the Fire Commissioners are selling Engine #6 which has apparently been a hazard in back of the Fire Station. He explained that the Commissioners have the authority to sell the engine if they no longer need it and they ad- vised him that they do not need it. He said the amount is under $300 so they can sell it, but must have approval of the Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the sale of Engine #6 which is no longer needed by the Fire Department. Mr. Legro reported that he discussed the Sunday Laws with Chief Rycroft who advised him that his problems have been resolved. 3/ Sale of Engine #6 Sunday Laws The Chair -an read a letter from Mr. Snow, Plan- ning Director, in regard to the taking by eminent domain of the Apostolu land on the paper street section of Moreland Avenue. Apostolu Mr. Legro told the Board that these is no problem land as the option specifically states that the property will be conveyed subject to the 1962 taxes which the Town will assume and agree to pay. Mr. Legro reported that he had written to Mr. Roy J. Prohaska relative to lots 32 and 33, Block 80, Farley Street, taken for the dump site. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. John Fontas, 21 Locust Avenue, stating that the left front wheel Accident of his car collided with a new curbstone at the corner of Lexington Avenue, resulting in service charges and damage totaling $55.00. No action was taken, the letter to be acknowledged. The Chairman reported he received a call from a ratan who represented himself as attorney for the Boston Globe who owns land in Tophet Swamp. They understood the land was to be sold for $1200. He said he told him to write the Beard a letter which would be re- ferred to Town Counsel. The Chairman reported that Mr. Mark Moore, Jr., of the Chamber of Commerce, informed him that the Chamber wanted to hang a wreath over the center at the junction of Waltham Street and Massachusetts Avenue, an illuminated Christmas wreath. Dump site Dump site land Christmas decorations Mr. Carroll reported that he told Mr. Moore as far as he was concerned, it would be all right, but he had no authority to grant such permission. The Board had no objection providing the Chamber of Commerce submits a certificate of insurance. Mr. James A. Carrig's letter relative to a sewer betterment assessment in the amount of $709.24 levied against lot 21 was held over. Mr. Carroll presented a plan and indicated the lot on Webster Road. He stated that the State made a taking for Lawn Avenue and therefore made Mr. Carrig's lot an illegal lot. He stated that the sewer con- struction order was recorded May 15, 1962, the taking was made June 12, 1962, and it was billed September 17, 1962. He said at the time the order of construction was recorded, Carrig sewer Mr. Carrig had a buildable lot and now it is an illegal assessment lot. He said themis no guarantee that the Board of Appeals will grant permission to build on the lot. Mr. Richards said he thought it would be fair to assess Mr. Carrig on the basis of 85 feet frontage, instead of 125 feet. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to assess Mr. Carrig on the basis of 85 feet frontage and abate $203.70, leaving a balance due of $505.54. Mr. Douglas Robertson, Grapevine Avenue, met with the Board, and said parking on Grapevine Avenue is get- ting worse all the time and there would be trouble plowing snow again this year, because the people work- ing at Marshall's bakery park �n the avenue. He said with ten new houses being built, there will be more of a traffic problem than there is now and he would like to have the street kept clear. He suggested "No Parking" signs on both sides of the street. Mr. Carroll explained that then the residents and their friends could not park on the street. The Chairman asked what hours Mr. Robertson had in mind, and he replied from six in the morning until late in the afternoon. The Chairman suggested no parking from eight until five, and Mr. Robertson said they park there at six in the morning. The Chairman asked if the neighbors would agree to no parking and Mr. Robertson replied they wouHH appreciate having something done. Mr. Richards said there is a real bad problem there, and explained that the employees at the bakery have no place to park because they have no rights insofar as Parking Grapevine Avenue parking at the rear of Homeland' Realty is concerned. It was agreed to refer the subject to the Traffic Study Committee for a study and report. Mr. Robertson retired at 8:30 P.M. Mr. Carroll said the new water contract for the Air Force will be in effect as of December 31 because water is now flowing through the 24" main. He said the contract becomes effective the firstday of the month following the month the water goes through. He explained the new rates are based on the actual rate Air Force at which the Town supplies them with water and on the Water con - construction cost. He said he did not know the tract actual construction cost of the 24" line or the MDC line. He discussed this with Mr. Stevens and the Air Force and suggested to the Air Force, instead of postponing starting the contract, that the Town bill them at the beginning based on the estimated amounts and make an adjustment later on. He said they have to draw up a supplemental agreement which will include the new rates and they are going ahead to draw it up. He said in the meantime he has been billing them at the new rate which they have ignored. He said up to the billing through September, there is an unpaid amount of $25,716.90 which apparently they Air Force is not going to pay. Mr. Carroll said about a month ago, he mentioned Kiln Brook, at which time the suggestion was made that the State Representatives should be contacted about filing a bill or seeing to it that this pro- ject was taken care of. At that time, the Board suggested waiting until after election. He asked if the Board wanted him tocontact the representa- tives and have them get in contact with Mr. Bradford to get this going. Mr. Cole reported that Mr. Brox told him December 5 was the last date for filing bills. It was agreed that Mr. Carroll would contact Mr. Brox. Mr. Carroll reported that he received a letter from Mr. Stevens regarding Eleanor M. McCurdy vs the Town of Lexington. Mrs. McCurdy fell and alleged that there was a defect in the street. He reported that medical expenses total $160 and the case can be settled for $300. Because of the nature of the in- jury, he recommended settlement. Upon motion dulymade and seconded, it was voted to authorize Mr. Stevens to settle the case for $300. Kiln Brook Claim 34 Mr. Carroll referred to fences on Worthen Road and said the time has come to erect the fences or not to erect them. He said there are provisions in the contract for 900 feet of fence and he asked for alter- nate bids, chain link and rustic. He explained the location on a plan entitled "Worthen Road Sections and Details". He recommended waiting until next year to see how the field is going to be used. The Board agreed that it would be to the Town's advantage to defer action on erection of the fences until next year. Mr. Carroll referred to the Woodhaven trunk sewer and indicated the location on a plan. He said one or two lots could be taken from Mrs. MacBeth, lots 27 and Woodhaven 28. He said the question is, should Grassland Street sewer be extended at a future date to Bridge Street, and Mr. Snow thinks it should. He said he thought it would be, advisable to take two full lots. He asked if two lots should be taken or an easement, and give Mrs. MacBeth:; frontage. It was agreed that Mr. Carroll should obtain ap- praisals. Further consideration was given to Mrs. Adelaide Sullivan*s request to have her house at 323 Lincoln Street connected to the Barrymeade Drive sewer. Mrs.Sullivan Sewer reported to the Seledtments office that she has been unable to obtain signatures for the extension of the sewer from Barrymeade Drive to Marrett Road. Mr. Carroll said he thought Mrs. Sullivans problem was drainage and not sewer. He agreed to contact her and discuss the matter with her. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Poles to approve relocation of four Boston Edison poles on Edison Way, municipal parking lot. Mr. Carroll reported that he will be sending out the water bills with the new rates on Januay 1st and Water bills he expects there will be calls on them. He would like to send out a flyer with each water bill and read the Board what he proposes to state in the flyer. The Board had no objection. Mr. Cole reported that the residents on Eldred and Grove Street want some assistance getting out onto Bedford Street in the morning. If the Board cannot arrive at a solution, the people want to meet with the Board next week. The Chairman suggested referring the matter to the Dhief of Police. It was agreed that Mr. Carroll would discuss the subject with Chief Rycroft. Mr. Carroll retired at 9a5 P.M. Messrs. Maurice Healy, Director of Veterans' Services, Harold Roeder, Fire Commissioner, and Mr. White, Town Accountant, met with the board. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Healy re- questing a transfer of $1500 to the Department of Veterans' Services. The Chairman stated that the Board wanted to know more of the details because of the numerous requests for transfers from the Reserve Fund. He stated that the 1963 budgets will have to be in- creased or the Reserve Fund will have to be increased. Mr. Healy explained that he had more cases this year than in previous years and this is something he cannot anticipate. He reported that he had sixteen cases in October whereas in March he had only four and seven in April. He said at the present time he has a balance of $LOO to complete the year which is not enough to carry him through the year. The Chairman asked if the cases were the result of illness. Mr. Healy replied that they are primarily illness and the increased cost per case. The Chakam an said that Mr. Healy woiU have to ask for more money next year because the cost of hospital care will not decrease. Mr. Healy reported that he has increased his budget for next year. He said he would have ten cases on the rolls the next two months and thought perhaps $1,000 would be enough, but if not, he would have to request additional funds. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $1,000 from the Reserve Fund to the Veterans' Benefits - Aid and Expenses Account. Mr. Healy retired at 9:20 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Fire Commissioners requesting a transfer of $150 for the operation of the ambulance for the balance of the year. Mr. Roeder reported that the account is overdrawn $4.58. He has a laundry bill for October remaining unpaid and it is estimated that this item will amount to $30 for the balance of the year, and the gasoline Transfers 36 Transfer Minutes will probably amount to $70. He reported that the ambulance was involved in an accident and snow tires were purchased twice this year, an expenditure sof $74. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $150 from the Reserve Fund to the Ambulance Maintenance Expenses Acoount. Mr. Roeder retired at 9:24 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. White stat- ing that because of the necessity of extending the temporary loan of $1,750,000 due November 8, 1962 to December 28, 1962, and the possibility of a fur- ther extension of thirty days, a transfer of $5,000 is needed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $5,000 from the Reserve Fund to the Interest Account. Mr. White retired at 9:30 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting held on November 12, 1962. The Chairman read a letter from the Standing School Building Committee relative to State aid and the requirements that must be met to become eligible for such aid. It was agreed to invite the Standing School Building Committee, School Committee and Recreation Committee to mebt with the Board on Monday, December 1962, at 9:00 P.M. 3, The Chairman read a.letter from Mr. Snow, Plan- ning Director, relative to the Chamber of Commerce letter to the Selectmen, with reference to the Minute National Man National Historical Park. Historical It was agreed to write the Lexington Historical Park Society that the Board feels the leadership of the historical development of the Town lies with the Society. The Board is not asking for specific plans, but would like the Society to voice its opinion to the Selectmen, the Chamber of Commerce and any Board that may be of assistance. A copy of the latter from the Chamber of Commerce is to be enclosed. Mr. Richards said that in October Winthrop Road was completed and crosses Sherburne Road at an inter- section with an island. He reported three accidents at this particular corner and said there must be some type of traffic control. He suggested that the Traffic Traffic Study Committee look into this problem which he con- sidered to be very serious. Complaint from Mrs. Helen C.MacBeth, 507 Waltham Street, relative to activities at 503 Waltham Street, Complaint was referred to the Chief of Police. Letter was received from the Lexington Civil Rights Committee relative to using a parking space on the Civil Rights nofth side of Massachusetts Avenue near the crosswalk Week at Waltham Street in connection with Civil Rights Week in December. The proposed program was approved and referred to the Chief of Police. Letter wa:: received from the Sisterhood Temple Emunah requesting permission to conduct a fair on April 19, 1963. The Board had no objection provid- ing the activities are confived to the Temple pro- perty. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret Mr. George W. Emery's resignation Resignation as a member of theBoard of Appeals. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a Taxi Driver's license to Richard H. Kenney, License satisfactory character reference having been received from the Chief of Police. The meeting adjourned at 11:05 P.M. A true record, Attest: -Exec' tiv/** Clerk, Select en