HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-10-BOS-min dhi
_ SELECTMEN'S MEETING
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October 2, 1989
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday,
October 2, 1989, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building,
at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Eddison, Mr. McSweeney;
Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Ms. Radway, Asst. to
the Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. Mr. Dailey
joined the meeting later in the evening.
Members of LexHAB were also in attendance, for discussion of
possible land purchase in Executive Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 - O by roll call
vote, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Eddison, Mr. McSweeney, to go into
Executive Session for discussion of possible land acquisition, the
disclosure of which might prove to be detrimental to negotiations , and
with the intent to resume open session.
Open session was resumed at 8:12 p.m.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY HOSPITAL LAND
Mr. McSweeney introduced Paul McGinley of McGinley, Hart &
Associates , land-use consultants, who had been engaged by the Land Use
Committee of the Middlesex County Advisory Board to give recommendations
''""t on the re--use of surplus County land, including a 60-acre parcel at the
Lexington/Waltham line.
Mr. McGinley, in presentation of the firm's interim report,
displayed slides showing the area being studied, the existing buildings,
accesses , and uses on surrounding land in Lexington and Waltham. He
explained that the purpose of the presentation was to show what his firm
had accomplished to date on the report, which he estimated to be about
half completed, and to gain input from the Town and interested citizens
to be included in the process before proceeding further in the
formulation of recommendations.
Tom Braun, of McGinley, Hart described existing uses in the
Middlesex County Hospital complex, and pointed out wet areas on the
site. He noted that the City of Waltham has been allowed to construct a
large soccer field on the Lexington portion of the site.
Carol Brabley of Brabley & Associates, Inc. gave an assessment of
the real estate situation and forces affecting the property. She
reported that residential , rather than industrial or office use had been
determined to be the best and highest use of the land.
Mr. McGinley asked for questions and input from the Board and those
in the audience. He noted that in the development of recommendations on
re-use of the land, decision could be reached that "no build" would be
the best option.
Elizabeth Flynn, 310 Concord Avenue, asked what type of housing
might be considered. Mr. McGinley said that those details would be
addressed much further along in the report, adding that it could be
single-family, cluster, low/moderate income, or housing developed under
the Comprehensive Permit, process.
Marian Reilly, 25 Walnut Street, asked for assurance that any such
plans would not be developed without input, at all stages, from Town
agencies and area residents. She stressed the need and Lexington 's
efforts toward provision of affordable housing.
Joy Buchfirer,Buchfirer, 237 Worthen Road East, asked an estimate of the time
frame between now and final decisions on land use by the County
Commissioners. Mr. McGinley said that the report should be completed in
4 or 5 weeks , and would then be used by the Commissioners in coming to
final decisions.
Mr. McSweeney thanked the consultants on behalf of the Land Use
Committee and the Middlesex County Advisory Board, and urged those in
attendance to submit comments and suggestions to him, for transmittal to
the consultant.
Mr. McGinley noted that a similar meeting was scheduled for the
next week in Waltham and that neighborhood groups and Town agencies
wishing to meet with him and his associates should contact him. He also
plans future meetings with the MCAB Land Use Committee.
MINUTES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve as
presented the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting on September 18, 1989.
PESIGNATION, BRIDGE CHARITABLE FUND
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the
resignation of John R. Packard as Trustee of the Bridge Charitable Fund,
effective as of January 1, 1990.
LIAISON, PINE MEADOWS SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the
resignation of Gerri Weathers as the Fair Housing Committee's Liaison on
the Pine Meadows Site Development Committee, and to appoint Robert L.
Pressman as her replacement.
ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS
ARTS COUNCIL
Relative to action on annual appointments of the Arts Council , Mr.
Eddison noted the request of Kerry Brandin, Chairman, that appointments
to the Council be made effective as of the first of November each year
to allow continuity by experienced members in working with Grants to be
awarded.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to change the date
of annual appointments to the Lexington Ccuncil for the Arts from
September 30, to November 1 , of each year.
DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mr. Eddison informed the Board of the request of members of the
Design Advisory Committee that those with expiring terms who do not wish
reappointment as regular members because of difficulties with attending
meetings , be appointed as Associate Members , in order to continue their
affiliation with the Committee.
He noted the benefits of keeping these interested citizens as a
resource and it was agreed that Robert Bradley, Don Olson and others in
the future, will be appointed as Associate Members.
PERSONNEL ADVISORY BOARD
Mr. White gave his recommendation that the Personnel Advisory Board
membership be expanded to eight, since two qualified applicants have
offered their services.
�.•.► Selectmen's Meeting -3- October 2, 1989
He reported that the P.A.B. is in accord with the suggestion and
submitted the name of Janet Perry, as well as Vahe DerManuel i an, for
appointment.
TRAFFIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Town Manager referred to previous discussion regarding
reorganization of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee and the ouestion
of whether it is appropriate for a Town employee to act as Chairman. He
asked that the Board give thought to the matter.
The Board had no objection to asking the T.S.A.C. to reorganize and
review its Charge and structure.
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES/BOARDS/COMMISSIOFS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the
following, for terms effective as of September 30, 1989:
CAMEL LEGACY TRUST
Leona W. Martin 19 Thoreau Road
Elizabeth M. Flynn 310 Concord Ave.
CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION BOARD
Thomas Gouzoule 126 Emerson Gardens
• DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTht,
John Frey Chairman 1133 Mass. Avenue
Elizabeth Whitman 5 Hancock Ave.
Walter Pierce 16 Trotting Horse Drive
Thomas Coffman 31 Lincoln Street
Albert Huang 82 Pleasant Street
*Kerry Brandin 117 Shade Street
*Richard Bechtel 16 Lake Street
Don H. Olson, Assoc.Mmbr 30 Forest Street
Robert Bradley, Assoc.Mmbr 15 Rockville Ave.
FAIR HOUSING CCMr►irri n
Gerri C. Weathers, Chrmn. 14 Drummer Boy Way
Robert Pressman 22 Locust Ave.
Leona Martin
19 Thoreau Rd.
William T. Spencer 32 Hancock St.
Vidya Bhatia 8 Nickerson Rd.
Florence A. Baturin 11 Alcott Rd.
James R. Brannon 380 Lowell St.
Albert Huang 82 Pleasant St.
Mary Haskell 6 Trotting Horse Drive
Ernest Tsai 4 Thoreau Road
HUMAN SERVICES CCMMIir1'r.r►,
swift Robert Cushman 13 Smith Avenue
Renee Cochin 7 Partridge Drive
Seymour Mandel 7 Stedman Road
*Dennis 4irakami 7 Longfellow Road
PERSONNEL ADVISORY BOARD
Kendall Wright 13 Woodland Road
*Vahe 1Manuplian 18 Constitution Road
**Janet M. Perry 16 Ellison Road
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POLICE MANUAL POLICY COMMITith
William J. Dailey, J r. 1 Bushnell Drive
William C. Hays 39 Locust Ave. usw
Gerald L. McLeod 71 Spring Street
Edith E. Flynn 32 Watertown St.
Chief Paul Furdon Lex. Police Dept.
TCN REPORT COMMximt
Robert Morrison, Churn 73 Blake Road
Ruth Karpinski 24 Wyman Rd.
Winifred Friedman 176 Grove Street
Stephen W. Wade 524 Concord Ave.
Marsha Baker 46 Burlington S t.
Fred Wischhusen 39 Peacock Farm Road
*Gordon Hawes 76 Meriam St.
*Robert Halfman 75 Outlook Drive
TRAFFIC SAr t;Tf ADVISORY Calvinmh
Peter M. Chalpin Engineering Dept.
Eric T. Clarke 29 Moon Hill Road
Myla Kabat-Zinn 58 Oak Street
William E. Nix 153 Grove St.
Paul E. Furdon Chief of Police
Capt. James Kilmartin Lex. Police Dept.
Robert A. Bowyer, Planning
Robert Trask 217 Waltham St.
WASTE MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE
Regina Blaber 27 Rangeway
FENCE CE
Martin Gilman 20 Captain Parker Arms Apt. 20
William H. Sullivan 14 Milk Street
TOWN CELEBRATIONS COMMIaTtE
John Hayden 4 Davis Road
LEXINGTON COUNCIL FORME ARTS Effective Date Nov. 1, 1989
Eunice Alberts Nicholson 7 Sherburne Road
*Vivian Berman 11 Barberry Road
*Donald Langosy 16 Taft Avenue
*Denotes New Appointment
CROSSWALK OBSERVANCE WEEK
Mr. White reported on the request of the Lexington Center Committee
that the week of October 14 through October 21 be acknowledged as
"Crosswalk Observance Week". In conjunction, and with the support of
the Chamber of Commerce, flyers and bulletins publicizing the emphasis
on crosswalk observance will be distributed throughout the Town. The „r..►
Manager noted that letters signed by Mrs. Smith and Chamber President
Barsamian informing CEO's of Lexington firm's and elected officials in
surrounding towns of the project and encouraging their cooperation.
Selectmen's Meeting -5- October 2, 1989
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim the
week of October 14 through October 21 , 1989, as "Crosswalk Observance
Week". A -proclamation to this effect will be prepared by the Town
Manager for signature of the Board on October 16.
AMBULANCE ABATEMENTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
abatement of 17 ambulance service charges in the total amount of $703.00
balances due after Medicaid reimbursements.
Upon motion dulyade Ind it was voted to adjourn at
10:00 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
C1(
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Marion H. Snow
Executive Clerk
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
October 16, 1989 Oi
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday,
October 16, 1989 , in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building,
at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Eddison, Mr. McSweeney;
Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Ms. Radway, Asst. to
the Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. Mr. Dailey
joined the meeting later in the evening.
PUBLIC HEARING, GAS STORAGE, SHELL
Mrs. Smith opened the public hearing on the application of Shell
Oil Company for permission to increase underground gasoline tank
capacity at the Shell Service Station, 300 Woburn Street.
Carlos Davis of Ayoub Engineering, representing Shell Oil Company,
submitted proof of the mailing of notices to abuttors and pointed out on
a plan locations for the proposed replacement of tanks with large
fiberglass units. He noted that the increased tank size will allow for
less frequent deliveries and that the fiberglass construction of the
tanks will help to protect the environment from possible leaks.
Mrs. Smith referred to a memo received from George Smith, Health
Director which recommended certain conditions to be factored into the
approval , if granted.
Pam There being no further comments, the Chairman declared the hearing
to be closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
application, on behalf of the Shell Oil Company, 400 Blue Hill Drive,
Westwood, MA, for permission and license to remove underground steel
storage tanks to be replaced with fiberglass gasoline tanks with a
capacity increased to 36,000 gallons; fiberglass waste oil tanks with
capacity increased to 1,000 gallons; and fiberglass fuel oil tanks
increased to a capacity of 1 ,000 gallons, at the Shell Service Station,
330 Woburn Street, Lexington. Permission was granted subject to on-site
inspection of procedures by the Lexington Fire Department at the time
the existing tanks are being removed, with plans for this operation to
be coordinated with Chief Bergeron.
The Lexington Health Department must also be notified of the date
the removal work is to begin. If any evidence of leakage is observed,
it will be necessary to implement a full cleanup as required by Town
agencies and/or the Department of Environmental Quality Engineering. A
copy of a memorandum dated September 19, 1989, from George A. Smith,
Health Director, is attached for your guidance. Compliance with all
conditions listed in Mr. Smith's memo will be required, including the
preparation of a contingency plan to address any spill or leak that
might occur during the removal process and/or ordinary use of gasoline
pumps.
omfa CHAPLAINS, L.P.D.
Paul Furdon, Chief of Police, was present to present Police badges
to three local clergymen who had agreed to serve the Department as
Chaplains. Chief Furdon introduced Father Stephen Healy, of St.
Brigid's Church; Reverend Brian Dixon, First Baptist Church; and Rabbi
Cary 'tales, of Temple Isaiah, who expressed their appreciation for the
honor of being asked to serve as Chaplains.
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MINUTES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve as presen tes
the minutes of the meetings of the Selectmen on September 25, 1989, and
on October 2, 1989. The meeting of the Board in Executive Session on
October 2, 1989, were approved as amended.
CONSENT AGENDA
ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSE, K. of C.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ratify the poll
vote of October 6, 1989, approving the application of the Knights of
Columbus, 177 Bedford Street, for One Day Liquor License on October 2,
1989, on the occasion of a Dinner Dance and meeting of Temple, Barker &
Sloane.
LEXINGTON MEMBERS, MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
request of Louise A. Berry, Lexi noton Members of the Museum of Fine
Arts , for permission to serve wine in Cary Memorial Hall et a lecture to
be held on February 13, 1990 (snow date - February 15, 1990) .
EXTENSION, SHERATON-LEXINGTON INN
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
request of Kent Bruggeman for extension of operation under its Innkeeper
Liquor License to 1 :00 a.m. on New Year's Eve. , December 31 , 1989.
CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS, KATAHDIN WOODS, BUTTERFIELD ROAD
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approVe a Imp
Conservation Restriction to he granted to the Town by Barrie and Eileen
Yates , of 3 Butterfield Road Lot 120, Map 38, and a Conservation
Restriction to he granted to the Town by Katandin Woods Partners over
lot 1C, Map 74.
COMMITMENT OF WATER, SEWER, DEMAND CHARGES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
commitment of the following charges:
September final bills $ 967.28
940.00
October Cycle 9 bills $ 3,997.9C
$ 71 ,106.76
Street Opening Permit fees $ 375.00
ABATEMENTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
abatement of the following:
Water Charges totalling $1 ,158.15
Sewer Charges totalling $2,380.119
Demand Charges totalling $ 50.00
APPOINTMENTS, BOARD OF APPEALS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint John J.
McWeenev as a member of the Board of Appeals for a term of office to
expire on September 30, 1994• and to
a o f tEdwinP hitt more, 15Somerset Road, as an ssociae Member of theoars of ppeais for a
term
of office to expire
on September 30, 1990.
7,agif
Selectmen' s Meeting _3_ October 16, 1989
APPOINTMENTS TO TOWN REPORT COMMITTEE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Eleanor
J. (Jane) King, Brookhaven at Lexington, Amherst - 30, and Anne R.
Scigliano, 3 Augustus Road, as members of the Town Report Committee, for
terms of office to expire on September 30, 1990.
FEE STRUCTURE, POARD OF APPEALS
The Roard reviewed proposed revisions to the fee schedule for the
Poard of Appeals , last increased in 1981 , and compared the current fee
structure with those in other communities. It was agreed that an
increase was warranted at this time.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the fee
scheduled as proposed by the Board of Appeals , as follows:
Residential Non-Residential
Variance $100.00 $200.00
Special Permit $100.00 $200.00
Appeal $100.00 $200.00
renewal $100.00 $200.00
Sign $100.00 $100.00
Special Permit with Site Plan $1,000 for projects up to
Review (SPS) 10,000 sq. ft. + 10(t/sq.ft.
o. in excess of 10,000 sq. ft.
Comprehensive Permit $1,000 + $100/dwelling unit
All applicants will continue to pay the charge for the legal notices .
TAX CLASSIFICATION HEARING (ADJOURNED)
Mrs. Smith opened the Adjourned Tax Classification Hearing and
Information Session. Mr. White explained that the evening's procedures
would not include decision on tax rate, because the State Dept. of
revenue had not yet established Lexington's minimum residential factor.
He asked that a short meeting be held on October 23rd at 6:00 p.m. , for
the purpose of voting on the matter.
Robert Leone, Robert Foster and Barclay Hayes , Board of Assessors ,
and Harald Scheid, Town Assessor, were in attendance to present
information and supporting data on the Range of Possible 1990 Tax Rates .
Mr. Leone referred to the revaluation of property as of January 1 ,
1989, which had been accomplished this year and which makes
determinations on the tax classification options extremely complex and
difficult to understand.
He reported that appreciated values have gone up 26.7% during the
past three years , as of January 1, 1989. Mr. Leone noted that since
there has been some softening of the real estate market during 1989,
assessed market values of properties may not reflect the actual resale
price at this time.
He also noted that the level of changes in values was not uniform
across the Town, and that some property owners could expect significant
increases in their bills, with highest priced properties increasing the
most and lowest price, the least.
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Sheets entitled "Range of Possible 1990 Tax Rates" showing
residential factors of 0.85E47 to 1.00000, with resultant tax rates and
percentages of change for residential and business properties were
reviewed.
A "Summary of Value Increase by Property Class - Fiscal 1990
Reevaluation Program" showing average increases for various types of
residential and commercial properties was discussed briefly.
Robert Domnitz spoke in favor of a shift to a higher tax ratio for
commercial properties and distributed information which showed a "Recap
of Commercial P.E. Tax Levies" from 1982 to 1989 and the percentages of
change in R. F. Tax on his home, his office condo, and Honeywell on
Forbes Road. He felt that significant revenue was not being real i led by
the Town by not taxing business properties to the maximum amount
allowed, and that residents have shouldered disproportionate amounts of
the tax burden.
Mr. White referred to information and data prepared by Harald
Sheid, who started his work as Assessor in the middle of the
reevaluation process and asked that the excellent work he has done be
acknowledged and that he be commended.
Mrs . Smith thanked the Board of Assessors and Mr. Sheid for their
fine presentations.
The Hearing was adjourned to Monday, October 23, 1989, at 6:00 p.m.
CONTRACT AWARD, WALTHAM STREET/BROOKS I DE AVE. TRAFFIC SIGNAL
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Contract
#89-13, installation of traffic signals at Waltham Street and Brookside .00
Avenue, in the amount of $41,438.00, to Tri-State Signal , Inc. , 26
Thayer Road, Waltham, MA.
CONTRACT AWARD, CARPET REPLACEMENT, TOWN OFFICES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Contract
#90-2, carpet replacement in the Town Office Eui l di ng, in the amount of
S?1 ,9?7.00, to E. L. Browen Co. , Inc. 154 Rangeway Road, North
Billerica, MA 01862.
EAST LEXINGTON LIBRARY/DRIVE, ONE WAY
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
installation of a sign designating the direction for One Way traffic at
the driveway at the East Lexington Branch Library, as requested by
Robert Hilton, Library Director.
ACTING TOWN MANAGER
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
appointment by the Town Manager of Deborah Radway as Acting Town Manager
during Mr. White's absence from Town from October 26, through November
10, 1989.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 by roll call
vote: Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Edd i son, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney,
to go into Executive Session for discussion of possible purchase of .�.r.►
property and litigation, the disclosure of which could prove to be
detrimental to the Town, and with no intent to resume open session.
Selectmen' s Meeting --5- October 16, 1989
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to adjourn at
9:50 p.m.
A true record : Attest:
Marion H. Snow
Executive Clerk
Selectmen' s Meeting -5- October 16, 1989
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to adjourn at
9:50 p.m.
A true record : Attest:
/// L/4617Ar
Marion H. Snow
Executive Clerk
S
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
October 23, 1989
ADJOURNED HEARING, TAX RATE CLASSIFICATION
Robert Leone and Robert Foster of the Board of Assessors,
and Harald Scheid, Town Assessor, met with the Board for the
continued hearing on property tax classification options.
Mr. Leone reported that Notification of Certification of New
Growth had been received from the Dept. of Revenue, which allowed
the Assessors to present tax rate options for the Board's final
consideration.
Mr. Leone announced that plans have been made for a public
meeting on November 13 in Cary Hall at which residents can learn
about revaluation procedures and can ask questions on matters of
concern.
He reviewed the range of possible 1990 tax rates and gave
the impacts of several of the factors which had been singled out.
Mr. Marshall moved that Option #3 (rates yielding
''w`' approximately equal increases in tax bills) be selected. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Eddison.
Mr. Dailey said he was uncomfortable about selecting Option
#3 which he felt would eliminate degrees of flexibility which
might be needed in the next two years by going so far toward the
lowest residential factor allowed. He said he would prefer to
have either option #4, #5, or #6 which would produce more equal
percentages of tax rate change and would result in a lesser tax
impact on non-residential properties.
Mrs. Smith said that she also favored Option #3.
Michael Schroeder, Precinct #9, said he was bothered by the
imbalance in the residential and non--residential tax rates. He
felt that the commercial property owners are disproportionately
taxed and that process should be closely monitored to control
spending.
Mr. White said that he would be happy to meet with Mr.
Schroeder to discuss the concerns he raised.
Motion having been made and seconded, it was voted 3 - 2
with Mr. Dailey and Mr. McSweeney voting in the negative, to
select a residential factor for Fiscal 1990 of 0.85921, resulting
in a residential tax rate of 9.20%.
Board members expressed their appreciation to the Assessors
for the work involved in the presentation and for the assistance
■•ii• given in the selection process.
ONE DAY AUCTIONEER, BRADLEY
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the application of Richard Bradley of Bradley & VonDohlen Antique
Auctioneers, for One Day Auctioneer License on October 25, 1989,
for an antique auction to be held at the Lexington Lodge of Elks,
959 Waltham Street from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m.
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AFFORDABLE SCATTERED SITE HOUSING
Mr. White reported that Peter Kelley, developer, had
purchased a lot near Rangeway upon which a 3-bedroom ranch, valued
at about $230,000, is located. Mr. Kelley had planned to demolish
the house and to build a larger one on the lot, but offered to
give the house to the Town for moving to a town owned lot, if one
is available. Mr. White estimated a cost of $43,500 to cover
moving, foundation, landscaping, and renovation to the interior
and said that LexHAB could carry that amount with a mortgage and
is willing to support the project, with no need to draw on LexHAB
funds.
Two tax title lots in the area had been identified and
appeared to be appropriate and convenient for the move. Some
details on title searches have not been completed but at this
point, both seemed good possibilities. Mr. White asked the
Board's view on commitment to the project to allow Mr. Kelley to
make plans on setting the house aside on the lot rather than
proceeding with demolition.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
authorize the Town Manager to proceed with arrangements for the
moving to an appropriate Town owned lot.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn
at 7:00 p.m.
A true record, Attest: Of / /
i'n . S
Executive Clerk
Imo
a
SELECTMEN'S MEETING ,,a
i
30, 1989
October4j,
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, October
30, 1989, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m.
Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Ms.
Radway, Acting Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mrs. Snow, Executive
Clerk, were present.
PUBLIC HEARING. BOSTONGAS. HILL STREET
Mrs. Smith opened the Public Hearing on the petition of Bostongas
Company for permission to install a new gas main in Hill Street.
Warren Gibson, representing Bostongas, explained that the purpose of the
work is to service Turnberry Hill, a new subdivision. A memo from Richard
Spiers, Director of Public Works/Engineering, recommending approval of the
petition was noted by the Chairman.
There were no comments from the Board or the audience.
Mrs. Smith referred to a letter received from Rena H. Murman, 92 Hill
Street, who was opposed to the proposal because of disruption in the area.
Mrs. Merman had suggested a number of stipulations to be imposed if the
petition is approved by the Board, such as parking of vehicles off Hill
Street; no use of metal plates in the roadway at days end; no noisy equipment
used before 8:00 a.m. ; no traffic disruption during commuter and school peak
hours. Mr. Gibson assured the Board that Bostongas would conduct the
installation accordingly and that the roadway would be left in a smooth
condition after completion of the project.
There being no further comments, Mrs. Smith declared the hearing closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition, plans and orders of Bostongas Company for permission to install
approximately 360 feet of 4 inch gas main in Hill Street, as shown on
accompanying plans.
PUBLIC HEARING. BOSTONGAS. NEW MASS. AVENUE/WOOD STREET
Mrs. Smith opened the Public Hearing on the petition of Bostongas for
permission to install new gas mains in Wood Street and New Mass. Avenue. Mr.
Gibson explained the purpose of the project is to service the Sheraton-
Lexington Inn.
Mr. Spiers was asked about the condition of Wood Street which he said
was in need of reconstruction and will be done in 1991, after the installation
of water mains scheduled for Spring and Summer, 1990.
Mrs. Smith was asked about the condition of Wood Street which he said
was in need of reconstruction and will be done, in 1991, after the installation
of water mains scheduled for Spring and Summer, 1990.
Mrs. Smith pointed out that the same concerns as has been voiced by Mrs.
Murman relative to the Hill Street project should be kept in mind in the case
of Wood Street and New Mass. Avenue, with the least inconvenience to residents
possible.
Mr. Gibson stated that residents on side streets off Wood Street had
been asked about their wishes to tie into the gas system and that stubs will
be installed at these intersections at the time of construction to accommodate
such connections.
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Mr. Gibson assured residents that the installations .will be located off
to the side of the road, with patching done if necessary.
Fred Rosenberg who had polled Wood Street area residents had seen no
indications that any wanted to be connected to the gas line and felt that it
represented a potential danger to many residents who will not benefit in any
way from the installation.
There being no further comments, the hearing was declared closed.
Mr. Dailey urged that the Tree Warden and DPW stay alert to any needs or
inconveniences caused to residents and that the concerns expressed be kept in
mind during the installation.
Mr. Marshall felt that a tremendous amount of disruption for four or
five weeks and affecting many residents will result and saw no justification
for approval of the project for only one Gas Company customer.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1, with Mr. Marshall
voting in the negative, to approve the petition, plans and orders of Bostongas
Company for installation of approximately 6,900 feet of 6 inch gas main in
Wood Street, and approximately 700 feet of 6 inch gas main in Massachusetts
Avenue, as shown on accompanying plans.
REPORTS ON TREE HEARINGS
Dale Gaasland, Supt. of Parks and Trees, was present to report on tree
hearings held recently on trees on Berwick Road, North Street and Mass.
Avenue.
Mr. Gaasland showed the Board a cross section of a diseased tree and
reported that the Chestnut and Maple trees at 70 North Street were
significantly weakened by decay similar to that seen in the sample slice.
He further reported that two white pine trees at the edge of the Town
Office Building parking lot represented hazards for the same reason.
Mr. Gaasland stated that the tree at 11 Berwick Road is a basically .o.•
sound tree, which the resident on that property had requested be taken down to
allow for reconstruction of a stone wall with which it had interfered. He
recommended that the tree not be removed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
recommendation of the Tree Warden that two white pine trees at 1625
Massachusetts Avenue be removed in the interest of safety.
Mrs. Harriet Hathaway, 66 North Street, was present as spokesperson for
North Street neighbors polled. All residents contacted had opposed the
removal of the silver maple and horsechestnut trees at 70 North Street, but
Mrs. Hathaway acknowledged that if the trees were potentially dangerous and
could injure people or damage property, they should not be allowed to remain.
Mr. Gaasland explained that because of the softening and decay in their
interiors, the North Street trees could fall at any time in any kind of windy
conditions. It would not be possible to strengthen the trees by cabling since
there are no supports nearby and he saw no way to deter the decaying or to
save the trees.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
recommendation of the Tree Warden that a silver maple tree and a horsechestnut
tree at 70 North Street be removed in the interest of safety.
In discussion of the planting of replacement trees, Mr. Gaasland said
that effort can be made to replace the horsechestnut tree with a similar type.
Selectmen's Meeting -3- October 30, 1989
Mrs. Smith expressed her concerns about the extensive pruning of trees
oak done by the Boston-Edison Company to accommodate power lines and asked that
Mr. Gaasland look into the practices of the company with respect to these
procedures.
MINUTES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept, as
presented, the minutes of the Selectmen on October 16, 1989.
EDISON TRANSFORMER. MINUTEMAN VOTECH DAY CARE CENTER
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a non
recordable easement with Boston Edison Company and give permission for
installation of a transformer and splice from MHX 5306 to SB#432, as shown on
an accompanying plan of the entrance to the Minuteman Vocational School, 758
Marrett Road.
RESIGNATION, EUGENE E. LEE, J.R.T.C.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the
resignation of Eugene E. Lee as Lexington's representative on the Joint
Regional Transportation Committee, effective immediately.
APPOINTMENT, J.R.T.C.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to designate Carol O.
Sonduck, 3 Hollow Lane, as Lexington's representative on the Joint Regional
Transportation Committee, effective upon approval by JRTC.
-oink SYMMES HOSPITAL
Mr. Eddison reported on a meeting earlier that evening with the
Arlington Board of Selectmen and representation from the Belmont Selectmen for
discussion of the potential closing of Symmes Hospital. The purpose of the
meeting was to plan strategy for a formal presentation at a November 3rd
hearing to be held by the Acute Hospital Conversion Board.
A Public Meeting was held in the Arlington Town Hall, attended by about
80 people, including Dr. Hubner of Choate-Symmes and physicians from each of
the three towns. Dr. Dratch attended on behalf of Lexington physicians.
A Resolution in support of the continuance of Symmes, drawn up and
signed by Arlington Selectmen, was read by Mr. Eddison who asked the
endorsement of it by the Board.
At the Public Meeting, Dr. Dratch had stated that Symmes, a tri-
community facility, was the main referral hospital of Lexington doctors and
filled the needs of the many elderly & children in the three towns, because of
its accessibility.
In addition to supporting the Resolution, Mr. Eddison urged that our
Legislators be requested to assist in efforts regarding Symmes and that
citizens be encouraged to write to members of the Hospital Conversion Board
expressing their support.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to endorse the
Resolution by the Towns of Arlington, Belmont and Lexington in support of the
continued operation of Symmes Hospital.
Letters expressing the Board's support, and requesting any assistance
dank possible, will be sent to Representative Doran and Senator Kraus.
-4--
CONSENT AGENDA
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC TRUST
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Thomas G.
Taylor, Alan S. Field, John R. Packard, and their successors as Trustees of
Public Trusts for Lexington to act on behalf of all funds administered by them
as such Trustees in the matter of the investment and reinvestment of such
funds and more particularly with respect to the purchase and sale of ••
securities through Shearson/American Express, Inc. In the event of default,
the particular funds involved would be responsible, provided, however, that
the Trustees themselves would be responsible if they had committed a breach of
their fiduciary duty.
CATV LEGISLATION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request
Representative Doran to submit to the General Court for enactment of a bill
relating to franchise fees for cable operators, as authorized under Article 54
of the 1989 Annual Town Meeting.
ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES. ELKS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
applications of the B.P.O. #2204, 959 Waltham Street, for One Day Liquor
Licenses on November 4, (Lexington Lions Club Social); November 5, (Baby
Christening party) ; November 17, (Elks Lodge Social) ; and November 19, (50th
wedding anniversary party).
CHURCH OF OUR REDEEMER
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request
of The Church of Our Redeemer for permission to display sandwich boards
advertising the annual Yankee Fair, to be carried by parishioners in Lexington
Center on November 17 and November 18, 1989.
law
CEMETERY FEES
Ms. Radway referred to the moratorium on the sale of lots at Westview
Cemetery, imposed to allow time to identify operating expenses and to develop
options for fee schedules to support these expenses.
A comprehensive study developed by Warren Monsignore, Cemetery Division
Superintendent, was reviewed with the Board. The report included a survey of
both private and public cemetery lot charges, (Analysis I) FY90 expenses with
largely self supporting fee structures; and (Analysis III ) a self supporting
fee structure that would eliminate the Perpetual Care Fund.
Mr. Spiers and Mr. Monsignore recommended that Analysis IV which would
raise revenues by increasing the fee for sale of lots and would seek an
additional $70,000 from the interest of the Trust Fund.
The Analysis IV structure showed prices which would place Lexington in
the top percentile among cemeteries appearing in the survey and about 45%
below that of private cemeteries. Grave lots would be raised from $450 to
$600 each, with other services raised proportionately.
Mr. Marshall felt that a move closer to $900/lot (market rate) would be
more appropriate.
Mrs. Smith said she would favor an increase to $600/lot at this time.
She felt that an increase to $900, or doubling the cost, required a public
meeting for input from citizens.
Selectmen's Meeting -5- October 30, 1989
Mr. Dailey suggested that a move to $750/lot might be acceptable. Mrs.
Smith concurred with his proposal.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to increase the charge
for extra deep grave lots to $750, with all related services raised from
current costs as shown in Analysis IV by the same percentage of increase.
The Board's action is understood to be an interim step. The moratorium
on sale of lots will continue untl .,the,new rate ructure has been printed
and made public. `„ ' �'
CONTRACT #90-5
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Contract #90-
5, Adams Street Drain and Hamilton Road Sewer installations, to Ashbrook
Development Corporation, 150 Baldwin Road, Carlisle, MA. lowest bidder under
Alternate "B, in the amount of $136,803.45, subject to approval of Town
Counsel as to bid form.
HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION
Ms. Radway reported that the 9th annual hazardous household waste
collection day had been the most successful to date. A 60% increase over the
amount received in 1988 had been collected, totalling 135 5-gallon drums.
Ms. Radway informed the Board that the State is encouraging the
formation of a Waste Management Team with the thought of looking into regional
collection next year.
1011.4 Mrs. Smith thanked Ms. Radway and asked that the Board's appreciation
for the hard work of the League of Women Voters, Dept. of Public Works and
Health staffs, be expressed in letters to those who had participated.
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to adjolirn at 9:15 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
, 46?
Marion H. Snow
Executive Clerk