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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-11-BOS-minSELECTMEN'S MEETING November 4, 1991 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 4, 1991, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Ms. Radway, Assistant Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. 1991 TOWN REPORT PHOTO A photograph of the Board, Town Manager and Town Counsel was taken at 7:30 p.m. and will be published in the 1991 Annual Town Report, M I NUTES ,, , OCTOBER _7 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve, as presented, the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting in October 7, 1991. 1992 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Call the 1992 Annual Town. Meeting on Marsh 2, 1992, and to close the Warrant for the 1992 Annual Town. Meeting on December 30, 1991, at 4:30 p.m. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the following appointments /reappointments be approved: BOARD OF APPEALS (5 year term) Edwin P. Whittemore, 15 Somerset Road, appointed. to 9/30/96 B O A RD OF APPEALS ASSOCIATES (1 year term) Nyles N. Barnert, 142 Worthen Road, Eric T. Clarke, 29 Moon Hill Road, William C. Hays, 39 Locust Avenue, Judith Uhrig, 15 vine Brook Road, Arthur C. Smith, 41 Follen Road Robert Sacco, 15 Meriam Street reappointed reappointed reappointed reappointed appointed appointed to to to to to to 9/30/92 9/30/92 9/30/92 9/30/92 9/30/92 9/30/92 LEXINGTON CENTER COMMITTEE (3 year terms) Fay Bussgang, 2 Forest Street, reappointed to 9/30/94 Carla Fortmann, 5 Harrington Road reappointed to 9/30/94 Morton Kahan, 44 Hancock Street reappointed to 9/30/94 Margaret D.Read, 33 Barberry Road, reappointed to 9/30/94 HUMAN SERVI COMMITTEE (3 year term) Dennis Murakami, 7 Longfellow Road, reappointed to 9/30/94 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY CO MM I TTEE (3 year terms) Carole Sonduck .{ Hollow Ttpr. : reappointed to 9/30/94 Sara Arnold 1 .5 W as hins" i:u_& u 10 . reappointed to 9/30/94 Elizabeth Andrews 22 Kendall Road, reappointed to 9/30/94 Lynn G. Burgin, 9 Longfellow Road, appointed to 9/30/93 ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following applications for One Day Liquor Licenses: B.P.O. Elks Lodge *2204, 959 Waltham Street: November 8, 1991, Birthday Party, 7 p.m. to 12 Midnight November 9, 1991, Wedding, 3 p.m. to 10 P.M. November 29, 1991 Wedding, 7 p.m. to 12 Midnight Boston Higashi School, 2518 Mass, Avenue November 14, 1991, Fund Raiser, 6 p.m. to 12 Midnight TOWN MANAGER INTERN Mr. White introduced Katsumi Nishibayashi, who will be interning in the Town Manager's office for two weeks on an orientation assignment as part of a three month study program. Mr. Nishibayashi, who is from Japan, will be studying all aspects of local government operations in the United States during his visit in this country. Mr. Smith welcomed Mr. Nishibayashi and invited him to attend that evening's session of the Special Town Meeting to see �••• true democracy in action. C HAPTER 90 REIMBURSEMENT Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to executive the Chapter 90 Reimbursement forms necessary for the Town to receive $140,689.05 in State funding to cover expenditures under Contract 91-1, Resurfacing of streets in various locations in Town. COMPO _MA I DENT Mr. White reported that residents may now take composted material from the Hartwell Avenue Material Recycling Facility. In addition to weekday and Sunday hours, the facility will be open during the month of November on Saturdays from 8 am to 5 pm. STREET SIDEWALK PETITI Mr. White reported that no FY93 street acceptance petitions had been received for proce ssing and therefore, no public information meetings need to be scheduled. One sidewalk construction petition had been submitted by residents of Philip Road and will be circulated through the normal procedure for presentation at the Annual Town Meeting. OPM Selectmen's Meeting _3- November 4, 1991 S S I DE` "A�:'� PETITIONS Mr.W -its reported that no FY93 street acceptance petitions had been received for processing and therefore, no public information meetings need to be scheduled. One sidewalk construction petition had been submitted by residents of Philip Road and will be circulated through the normal procedure for presentation at the.Arinual Town Meeting. REVENUE OFFICER RESIGNATION Mr. White informed the Board that Robert Ebersole, Revenue Officer, had submitted this resignation in order to accept a position as Chief Financial Officer of the City of Chelsea. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:45 p. m. n A true record, Attest: i rion H. Snow Executive Clerk Own SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 18, 1991 �A, regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held otr Monday, November 18, 1991, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen,Town Counsel; Ms. Radway, Asst. Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. r PUBLIC HEARING BOSTON EDISON EUSTIS STREET Mrs. Smith opened a Public Hearing on the petition of Boston Edison Company for installation of conduit on Eustis Street. Robert Malis represented the Edison Company and explained that the work was being done at the request of the Customer at #1 Eustis Street for underground service, and require no blasting. Mrs. Smith noted the memorandum from the Director of Public Works recommending approval of the petition. There being no further questions or comments, the hearing was declared Closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition, plans and orders of the Boston Edison Company to install approximately 13 feet of conduit in Eustis Street, westerly approximately 159 feet northwest of Percy Road. OWN* MINUTES OC TOBER 21, 1991 j Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve, as presented, the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on October 21, 1991. DESIGN GUIDELINES BATTL & BUCK TAVERN Mr. Eddison referred to a draft of "Design Guidelines for the Battlegreen and Buckman Tavern" which had been distributed to the Board with a request for Comments two months previously. At that time, the Guidelines, prepared by The 'free Committee, had also been submitted to the Town Manager, DPW, the Tree Superintendent, and other Town Boards. Mr. Eddison pointed out two slight revisions and asked for the Board's approval of the Guidelines, as presented. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the "Design Guidelines for the Battlegreen and Buckman Tavern" to be applied to future plantings in those areas. RECYCLING INITIATIVE Mrs. Smith reported on Management Committee as to a Legislature on new standards Massachusetts. She explained that the streams by mandating the use in packaging. the recommendations of the Waste position on H. Bill 5302, now in the for the packaging of goods sold in goal of the bill is to reduce waste of recycled and recyclable materials _. 2 - The Committee's concern was that the process by which this bill has been brought forward has not allowed concerned citizens and groups an opportunity to review and mnc% iyze what i. s being g proposed. The Committee would recommend that enough time be given so that a full understanding of the economic and environmental impacts of the legislation can be developed among g all constituents of the issue. The committee expressed its support of the concept of the objective of H. Bill 5202, but urged that ample time be iven t S a ensure the opportunity for review by all concerned. The Committee also strongly recommended pursuit of a regional approach to dealing with recycling as it would be far more Palatable to industry to have standardized packaging requirements so as to best manage the cost impact of this legislation. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to inform Governor Weld, Senator Havern and Representative Doran of the Board's position on H. Bill 5202, as stated above in the recommendations of the Waste Management Committee, R OF LICENSE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve applications for renewal of the following licenses for the ensuing year: Common Victualler Lice Mrs. Smith read the favorable report of Health Agent Stanley Sosnicki, on all applications for Common Victualler Licenses. The letter of transmission to the licensees will include a reminder of the urgent need for attention to the removal of litter outside their premises. Yangtze River Restaurant 11 :00 a.m. - 12 :00 Midnight 21 -25 Depot Square 7 days Chadwick's 903 Waltham Street Lexington Golf Club, Inc. 55 Hill Street Lemon Crass, Inc. 1710 Mass. Avenue Versailles Restaurant 1777 Mass. Avenue Arty's Restaurant 177 Mass. Avenue LeBellecour 10 -12 Muzzey Street 6:00 a.m. -- 11:00 P.M. 7 days 7 :00 a.m. - 0 :00 p.m. 7 days 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 P.M. 7 days 11 :00 a.m. - 12 :00 Midnight 7 days 11:00 a.m. -- 11:00 p.m. 7 days 11:00 a.m. -- 11 :00 p.m. Monday -- Saturday 12:00 Noon - 11:00 p.m. Sunday Selectmen's Meeting Lexington Donuts 373 Waltham Street Bel. Canto Resta.ura'Ut 1709 Mass. Avenue .-3.- November 18, 1991 6:00 a.m. - 11:30 P.M. 7 days 6:00 a.m. - 100000 P.M. Sunday - Thursday 0:00 a.m. - 11:00 P.M. Friday - Saturday COIN O VIDE G AME MACHINES Lexington Post VFW #3007 (2) 2 Hayes Lane Lexington Lodge B.P.O. Elks (3) 959 Waltham Street Hayden Recreation Centre (4) 24 Lincoln Street COMMON CARRIER ATS Transportation X13 408 Franklin St., Melrose, MA Boston Tours, Inc. (6) 89 Arcadia Avenue, Waltham, MA ENTERTAINMENT Hartwell House, Inc. 94 Hartwell Avenue DECEMBER MEETIN SCHED It was agreed that Board meetings will be scheduled for December 2, December 9, December 10 and December 30, with the understanding that some meetings may be canceled it' the work load allows. CONSENT AGENDA E XTENSION OF H VE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of Isaac Dray for extension of hours of operation of Versailles Restaurant on December 31, 1991, to 1:00 a.m. C OM M I TME NT O CH Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Commitment of the following Charges: Street Opening Permit Fees $ 450.00 Cycle 9 Water Charges for November $99,372.00 pow � a � 4 - Ri DGFT T '?A DArVE M� wb. i to continued with his update to the Board �_ :i FY-93 3 budgets issues. He said that in view of an expected million+ dollar deficit in FY93 as compared with FY92 , sources for increased revenue must be found, noting that trash collections charges and real estate taxes are the two .known sources at this time. The Manager expressed his appreciation to the Appropriation Committee for its sponsorship of the Symposium on Lexington Finances, held on November 16. He spoke of two major things which had come out as a result of the meeting: the strong wish to keep Lexington as it is; and the need for a Communication Committee comprised of members from a number of areas in Town government. He stressed the need to begin work on preparat of goals and a Charge to this committee as soon as possible. Mrs. Smith thanked Mr. White for provld.ing these ongoing reports and updates on the Town's financial position. URBAN SYSTEM ROAD REC ONSTRUCTION P Mr. White reported on indications that State fundin g for improvements to Hartwell Avenue could be available through the Urban Systems Road Reconstruction Program, Richard Cooke, Boston Survey Consultants, Inc. was in attendance to present information on the concept of a plan, on a smaller scale than in 1984 and 1985, for reconstruction of the road. The previous plans for the Bedford Street area had been put aside after area residents strongly opposed a State approved Plan for Bedford Street. The new design plan for Hartwell Avenue only had been developed after Mr. Cooke had received some encouragement from the Mass. DPW District Office that funding might be forthcoming. He displayed a plan of the area and explained the basis of the earlier plans. He pointed out that although there is a reduction in the magnitude of the new plan, it addresses issues, such as wetlands, which were involved in the larger plan. Features of the 5 --lane plan were described to the Board: the addition of a turning lane on the jug handle into Bedford Street, lane configuration changes such as the addition of turning lanes at Maguire Road. The plan showed narrowing of the roadway between Maguire Road and Wood Street, however, Mr. Cooke spoke of the possibility of widening it to two full lanes each way, or if not possible because of wetlands to 3 lanes with 2 lanes going toward Bedford St. from Wood St. Mr. Eddison pointed out that the bikepath crosses Hartwell Avenue near, but not at Maguire Road and that an additional traffic signal would be required, synchronized with the signal to be placed at Maguire Road. In response to Mr. Eddison's question on whether Lincoln Lab and other future development in the area had been taken into consideration, Mr. Cooke said that he did not have that information. Mr. Eddison suggested that the recent Air Force traffic study data should be included in the calculations. Selectmen's Meeting -5- November 18, 1991 Mr. Dailey suggested possible shifting of the bikepath so as to avoid installation of two sets of lights. Mr . Cooke said he is working toward incorporating the two. Mr. white said that although the plan was being presented in a very preliminary form, he had felt it important to do so as quickly as possible to get direction as to whether it should be pursued. Mr. Cook described the Urban Systems Road Reconstruction Program as to functions and procedures. Plans, drawn up by the Town would be presented to State and Federal agencies. It would be considered the Town's project, with ample opportunity for input on design and other aspects from Boards and citizens. Mrs. Smith noted that there have been numerous requests for safety improvements to 'Hartwell Avenue and she gave the concept her strong support as long as there would continue to be opportunity for the Town's involvement in the process. Mr. Eddison also voiced his support since basic safety and maintenance of the roadway are issues that will need attention in the immediate future. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support the pursuit of construction of a 5 -lane roadway on Hartwell Avenue, as described by Mr. Cooke. RTE 2A MARRETT ROAD UPDATE Mr. Cook gave a status report on plans for improvements to Marrett Road. work on the legal process involved and discussions with Conservation Commissions, the State and the City of Cambridge on environmental issues have begun. Traffic data is being updated and the draft Environmental Impact Report will be completed in S or 7 months, prior to submission to the State MEPA Office. He felt that actual work on the improvements would be in process in about 2 years time. TRAFFIC COMMITTEE REPORTS Peter Chalpin, Chairman, and Eric Clarke, Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, were present for review of the committee's recommendations on traffic related requests referred to it by the Selectmen GROVE BUR LINGTON STS . BARRINGTON Mr. Chalpin reported on A.M. and P.M. pedestrian and bicycle counts at the Grove Street /Burlington Street intersection which had been conducted in response to requests by James Barrington for a crosswalk and crossing guard at that location to aid students walking to the Diamond Middle School. Mr. Chalpin noted that although the walker /bike r counts were, in each case, low, there had been marked difficulty for all those trying to cross at that point, especially in the morning. Om The Committee had suggested an alternate crossing location at Diamond Road, which would require approximately 325 feet of new sidewalk on the northerly side of Grove street from Diamond Road to Burlington Street. :- a cc�;t o i about $ 6,000. As a temporary measure, a crossing guard eouid be reassigned to encourage students to use the new crossing. The Committee had concluded that this would provide a more satisfactory solution and recommended that Mr. Barrington's requests be denied. It was also recommended that shrubs at #1 Grove Street, which are growing out to the edge of the pavement, be cut back to improve visibility. Discussion followed on several other methods for addressing the matter. Ed Grant noted that it is a dangerous area for students and other pedestrians with 3-way traffic and huge trees which impede visibility. He suggested that a Guard be posted at the traffic island to warn oncoming motorists of pedestrians crossing, John Antonucci, Grove Street resident, said he was glad the situation was being addressed but felt that the students would resist using the Diamond Road crosswalk. He agreed with Mr. Grant's suggestion for a Guard on the island, but felt that two crosswalks were needed, as well as removal of the trees. Mr. Chalpin suggested that pedestrian warning signs be placed at the island when the Guard is on duty and removed when she left her post. He agreed that a Guard on the island would be beneficial, but advised that she be asked for her reaction on the effectiveness of having her at that location. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the School Committee to assign a Crossing Guard at the end of the existing sidewalk at Grove Street and Burlington street and to direct the DPW/Engineering Dept. to explore procedures for removal of trees on Burlington and Grove to allow for extension of the sidewalk to Simonds Road. The Public works Department wi ll be requested to trim shrubbery at #1 Grove Street for improved visibility for motorists at that location. If the Crossing Guard reports that her presence is not an effective solution to the problem, she will be reassigned to another, more effective location. The Crossing Guard will transport portable warning signs to be installed each time she is on duty and taken away with her when she leaves her post. DIANA LANE /CHILDS ROAD. DR. MARKOVITZ Mr. Chalpin reported on his Committee's review and recommendations on the request of Dennis Markovitz relative to the Diana Lane/Childs Road area. Dr. Markovitz's concerns included poor visibility, speeding, lack of signage and sidewalks and poor street lighting. s ftw Selectmen's Meeting -7- November 18, 1991 The Committee's investigations had shown no accidents in the # area from 1985 to the present and that none of the warrants for "Stop" signs there are satisfied. It was noted that a considerable planting has been placed at the corner of Hastings Road and Childs Road, mostly in the Mown Way, which impedes visibility. This planting should be relocated to private property. In addition, considerable overgrowth was noted on Hill Street at Diana Lane, which also limits sight distance and should be cut back. Finally, on Diana Lane, trees have overgrown the roadway, actually bridging the roadway in two areas causing the area to be very dark at night during the leaf season. These trees should be trimmed back. The Committee saw no deficiencies in the street lighting and made no recommendation on that issue, pending the report of the Lexington Lighting Options Committee on street lighting in Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, as stated above. The Superintendent of Trees & Parks will be requested to attend to the cutting back of overhead branches of trees on Diana Lane, especially near the Childs Road intersection. MASS* AVENUE /ME,RIAM _ S,TREET i _D_. A . C_._ Mr. Chalpin reviewed the request of the Design Advisory Committee and Meriam Hill Association for a "neck -- down" on Mass . Avenue at Meriam Street, The Committee felt that the issue of neck- -downs in the Center as a whole needs to be resolved and that the entire concept should be reviewed by the Lexington Center Committee, the Design Advisory Committee and the Dept. of Public Works and recommended the following, on an interim basis; 1. Institute a "No Stopping /Standing" regulation to supplement the existing "No Parking" regulation at the location; 2. Paint yellow crosshatching on the pavement; 3. Install three cones like those used in the crosswalks, to block access to the location. It was also noted that Richard Spiers, Director of Public Works, has submitted his written opposition to the installation of a neck --down at that location. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee as stated above. If this method does not prove to effectively discourage parking, the Board will again review the matter. The issue of "neck -- downs" in Lexington Center will be pursued by the D.A.C., the L.G.C, and the D.P.W. TRAFFIC CQNCERNSZCAMPBELL Mr. Chalpin reported that his Committee had met with Joseph Campbell to discuss three areas which concerned him, and submitted the following recommendations: P a e .Winthrop Road /Highland Avenue intersection: Three accidents had taken place at that location since 1985, with none since 1989. making a "Yield" s ign unnecessary, ­^ the w� r��ar t,� for "Stop" signs are not sat isfied. The Committee dio recommend however, the trimming of two spruce trees at the corner at #20 Winthrop Road to improve sight distance. The Committee recommended nothing further at this time. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendations of ' the Traffic Safety Committee to take no action other than the trimming of two spruce trees at #20 Winthrop Road, on the traffic concerns of Joseph Campbell, 270 Marrett Road, MUZZEY STREET CROSSWALK /M RE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee that a crosswalk, in the zebra design be installed on Muzzey Street, from #19 Muzzey, crossing to #18 (Lot #1), as suggested by H. Bigelow Moore, SHA LINCOLN S Mr. Chalpin reported on the concerns of Ic1al Hartman about speeding on Shade Street and Lincoln Street. The Committee recommended the following procedures be implemented to address the problem: .to request the Mass. D.P.W. to issue a permit to the Town low to post a 20 mph speed limit on Shade Street. It was felt that the narrowness and curves on Shade Street make the ex isting 30 mph, under the Fundamental Speed Law, excessive. .to allow the current Fundamental Speed Law .limit of 30 mph to remain in place on Lincoln Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Committee on Shade Street /Lincoln Street traffic conditions, as stated above. STUDENT P ARKING WORTHEN ROAD Mr. Chalpin reviewed his Committee's recommendations on the request by Lawrence Robinson, Asst, Principal for Student Affairs, to ban parking on the High School side of Worthen Road from Waltham Street to the football field. The Committee found no traffic safety problems under the present scheme of things in the Worthen Road area and therefore recommended that Mr. Robinson's request be denied at this time. It was noted that there may be other issues which concern the School Department relative to student parking on Worthen Road, however, a "No Parking" regulation cannot be justified from a traffic safety viewpoint. Mr. Chalpin suggested that the Selectmen confer with the School Committee on all aspects of the issue of student parking on Worthen Road. Selectmen's Meeting -ft9- November 18, 1991 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Committee on Mr. Robinson's request for "No Parking' as deser -ibed above. EXECuTivE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -- o by roll call vote: Mrs. Smith, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, to go into Executive Session for discussion of matter of litigation and of labor negotiations, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the best interests of the Town, and with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, at 10:40 p.m. A true record, Attest: it was voted to adjourn / f r a" Marion H. Snow Executive Clerk