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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-02-BOS-min ,_\ SELECTMEN'S MEETING OAA 0111.1 February 6, 1984 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building on Monday, February 6, 1984, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Politi, Mrs. Battin, Mr. Sacco, Mr. McLaughlin; Mr. Hutchinson, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Miss Adler, Assistant to the Town Manager and Mrs. Snow, Acting Executive Clerk, were present. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Minutes minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting held on November 29, 1983. 11/29/83 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to schedule Fair Housing appointments to the Fair Housing Committee on either February 21, or Committee February 27, 1984 , as recommended by the Town Manager. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Public Bond,Town Mg] Official Bond for the Town Manager in the amount of $50,000 to be issued by the New Hampshire Insurance_.Group. The Manager reported that he had accepted the bid of Natick Auto Police Cruis- Sales, Inc. , lowest bidder, in the amount of $56,185, for purchase of ers, Sedans six 1984 Police cruisers and three 1984 unmarked sedans. Mr. Hutchinson summarized a projected debt schedule in conjunction Debt Sched. mom with proposed Conservation Commission land acquisition. He reported Cons.Land that a five-year issue would cost over $2,000,000 for $1.7 million of Aquisition financing. Payments would range from $460,000 to $363,000. A ten- year issue would be $2.5 million with annual principal and interest payments ranging from $306,000 down to $183,000 on the final payment. A twenty year issue would almost double the cost for a total of 3.3 million with payments ranging from $240,000 down to $92,000 in the 20th year. He noted that the levy limit is approximately $700,000. Any of the aforementioned would take a substantial portion of that amount, and the advantage of declining debt would be lost. He strongly recommended against the acquisition proposal and noted that it could compromise the Town's capacity to provide the maintenance and upkeep of essential services. He recommended, if the proposal receives favorabe consideration, that it be considered as an override item excluding the debt service from the levy limit restrictions. The Manager informed the Board that a tentative settlement has DPW Settle- been reached with the DPW. Among features of the settlement, he ment noted a 6% pay increase, with certain work productivity concessions by the Union. Mr. Hutchinson reviewed his February 6 response to James McDevitt's McDevitt letter which stated concerns about the Fire Department's budget letter, Fire proposal for replacement of alarm registers and recommended removal of budget wok all outside fire alarm boxes. The Manager noted that fire alarm boxes are not being installed at this time in new subdivisions but re- Selectmen's Meeting31 -2- February 6, 1984 commended that the issue of removal of all existing outside boxes in the Town be looked at at a later date. He felt the system as it is should be .maintained for now. He will provide data on the ratio """ of false box alarms vs. false telephone alarms and any pattern of false alarms for either procedure. He will also supply information on how many box alarms are followed by telephone alarms. 1984 Warrant The Town Manager briefly outlined features of articles listed Articles for inclusion in the Warrant to the 1984 Town Meeting. Sel/T.Mgr. Provisions of Article 8, Amendments to the Selectmen/Town Act Amendm. Manager Act were discussed. The Town Manager reported on his con- ference with Mrs. Rawls, TMMA and her concerns with the proposed changes to the budget and other Town Meeting related timetables. She felt that insufficient time would be allowed for TMMA preparation of the Warrant Information Report, if provision of article data is de- layed as proposed. She also felt that Town Meeting Members would not be given opportunity for appropriate review of the Warrant with the proposed schedule for mailing of the 2nd or 3rd week in March. She agreed that the separate mailing of an election warrant was reasonable but urged that the Warrant be mailed at least three weeks before the Town Meeting business sessions begin. Mrs. Battin concurred with Mrs. Rawls' views on the proposed time- table, and referred to times in previous years that the late submission of warrant information had resulted in refusal by Town Meeting Members to vote on issues without proper time for review. She said she would not want to revert to that process. Mrs. Battin noted that if the proposed timetable revision is _ approved, a separate election warrant mailing would be required. She suggested that consideration be given to amending the By-Law to change the date for the annual election within the limits allowed by State statute, bringing it closer to Town Meeting and avoiding two separate mailings. The Town Manager was asked for further exploration of the time- table issues and suggestions on resolution of the questions and con- cerns raised. Discussion will be continued at the February 13 meeting. Pl. Bd. In discussion of Planning Board Articles, it was suggested that Articles a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, and Planning Board, be scheduled to gain further clarification and information on Zoning Articles 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. Input from other groups such as C.R.0 and Chamber of Commerce will also be sought. Mr. Politi will confer with the Planning Board Chairman on possible dates for this meeting. Warrant Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the signed Warrant to the 1984 Annual Town Meeting. RDNA The Town Manager asked direction on procedures regarding the forth- Research coming application of Collaborative Research Inc. for Board of Appeals permit to carry on basic Biological Research at its Spring Street facility. He noted that the RDNA Study Committee had not yet been formed. Town Counsel suggested that the Board of Health probably Selectmen's Meeting -3- February 6, 1984 has enough authority to intervene in the process with respect to imilia conditions to be imposed in the permit. Mr. Politi asked if a mora- torium on such activity could be imposed during the study period. The Town Manager will report on February 13 as to what avenues are open to the Town and Town Counsel will research in terms of Board of Health authority. Mr. Hutchinson informed the Board that Warren Empey, Manager of WarrenEmpey Operations, D.P.W. , will retire on April 1. He noted Mr. Empey's Retirement value as an employee, and that the loss of his services to the Town will be a substantial one. Mrs. Battin informed the Board of the vote of the Center Revitali- Econ.Feas. zation Committee to request the Selectmen to authorize the Town Manager Study to investigate the economic feasibility of a parking garage in Lexington Parking Center. Garage Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to direct the Town Manager to conduct an independent investigation to a 90% confidence factor of the economic feasibility of a parking crag e; to review the data presented by the Planning D' torah k e . .C. parking garage sub-committee; to include an anal s .s o t otai development costs, construction costs and operating costs of the most recently built garages in the Commonwealth. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:07 p.m. rom"' A true record, Attest: (//16L11/0/ y Acting Execut ve Clerk . Pv ,\ 0SELECTMEN'S MEETING Pomo k, February 13, 1984 4.); ' A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building on Monday, February 13, 1984, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Politi, Mrs. Battin, Mr. Sacco, Mr. McLaughlin; Mr. Hutchinson, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Miss Adler, Assistant to the Town Manager and Mrs. Snow, Acting Exe- cutive Clerk, were present. The Chairman opened the hearing on the petition of the Boston Public Hear- Edison Company for permission to install approximately sixty feet of ing, Boston conduit in Westview Street. Edison Mr. Edmund Kelley, representative of Boston Edison Company, ex- Westview St. plained that the work is necessary to provide electric service to Kiln Brook IV Office Park. No one spoke in favor or in opposition and the Chairman declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Boston Edison Company for installation of conduit in Westview Street, approximately 535 feet east of Maguire Road, a dis- tance of about sixty feet. P"" The Board reviewed the petition of the New England Telephone Boston Edi- Company and Boston Edison Company for the transfer of ownership of son,N.E. Te] thirteen jointly owned poles located on Massachusetts Avenue to the transfer of Boston Edison Company. No public hearing was required. poles Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to approve the petition of the New England Telephone Company and Boston Edison Company for the transfers of ownership of thirteen poles on the southerly side of Massachusetts Avenue, approximately 139' westerly of the south- westerly intersection of Marrett Road. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Bond, Town Massachusetts Local Official Bond on behalf of Mary R. McDonough, Town Clerk Clerk, in the amount of $8,000.00 In conjunction with MBTA's Suburban Transportation Program, the MBTA con- Chairman noted request of James F. O'Leary, General Manager, for tract LEX- execution of a 6-month service agreement, with the Town, during which PRESS period the Authority will pay one hundred percent of the net loss of service, not to exceed fifty percent of the Town's appropriation. Lexington will receive $60,000 for this program. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the service contract in conjunction with the Massachusetts Bay Transporta- tion Authority Suburban Transportation Program, for a 6-month period to commence January 1, 1984. r"" Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Minutes minutes of the meeting of the Board of Selectmen on December 5, 1983. 12/5/83 Selectmen's Meeting -2-- February 13, 1984 Data Proc. Mr. Hutchinson introduced members of the Data Processing Committee Advisory Task Force, Chairman David Gilbert, Michael Carvey and William Rosenfeld, who were present to give a summary of the ire Committee's recommendations as contained in its final report dated, ' 2/4/84, to be filed with the Town Manager's Office. Mr. Gilbert noted the Committee's comprehensive review of all of the Town's accounting and information processing activities as currently transacted and thanked Mr. Perry and Mr. Kane for their on- going support in assisting with coordination of that aspect of the re- port. He reported on meetings with Town Departments, including Police, Fire, DPW, Town Clerk, Assessors, Town Manager's Office, School Administration and Cary Memorial Library, which resulted in the con- fiction that the Committee was dealing with two separate issues; the potential paths the Town could pursue with respect to the accounting activities and identification of mechanisms for dealing with the needs of individual departments. The Committee strongly concluded that measurable economic benefits could be reaped through the replacement of current manual and service bureau operations with a Town owned and controlled computer facility devoted to primarily accounting and financial activities. Additionally, an opportunity for improving departmental level productivity exists through a limited implementation of micro-computers. Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Rosenfeld went on to present specific tech- nical recommendations related to functions of accounting and other departments of Town Government, Police, Fire, Library and the School Department which was followed by a brief discussion of the financial and productivity implications of the proposed program. Mr. Politi asked Mr. Gilbert if the Committee had any recomImo - mendations on the Library's budget request for a computerized circula- tion system. Mr. Gilbert responded that there seemed to be no easily quantitative benefits in the proposal and although he was aware of problems in procedures at the library regarding retention and circula- tion, he suggested that other, less expensive processes might be ex- plored. The Committee deemed accounting functions to be of higher priority than the Library proposal. The Task Force will schedule a meeting with the Library Commitee, and representatives of both groups will return to the Board of Selectmen for further discussion. The Committee was thanked for its helpful report and commended,, them for the high quality of citizen participation in its preparatin. Permit Park- Mrs. Battin reviewed the conclusions reached by the Center Rev. tal- ing-Meriam ization Committee on issues relative to permit parking in the Meriam St. lot Street lot as follows: That fees for permit parking be continued at current rates for, 6 months (August 15, 1984) . Fees should not be changed until a decision has been made on an attendant lot at which time the entire parking fee structure will need review and possible revision. Permits should be issued as soon as possible pending a decision of the Board of Selectmen on fee policy. Existing permits will be honored until new permits are issued; approximately one week later. Selectmen's Meeting _ 3 _ February 13, 1984 ,p,,.. The Meriam Street lot be operated with the same division of per- mit parking and ticket parking for the next 6 months. Rates for park- ing are proposed to remain as currently exist. It is proposed to change the Permit Parking Regulations as follows: 1. The restricted Permit Area is reserved for permit holders until 11:00 A.M. , Monday through Saturday. 2. Permit holders entering after 11:00 A.M. are not guaranteed a reserved parking space. If a space is not available in the defined permit area, permit parking is valid in other restricted areas of the Meriam Street lot (subject to avail- ability) . Unused spaces in the Permit Area are available for valid ticket patrons after 11:00 A.M. 3. To maximize utilization within the Meriam Street lot, it is proposed to designate areas for compact cars as shown on the parking lot plan. This will provide an additional 24 park- ing spaces in the lot. Designated compact car spaces will total 33 in the Permit Area and 23 in the unreserved ticket area. Mrs. Battin noted that ticket holders present at the February 8 C.R.C. meeting had offered no objection to the proposal as stated above. Mr. Sacco noted that a transition period would be provided by implementation of the proposal. Regulations for enforcement will be drawn up in the near future if the proposals are adopted. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the above- stated recommendations of the Center Revitalization Committee for changes OMR to permit parking procedures in the Meriam Street parking lot. Mrs. Battin reported that the C.R.C. had unanimously voted to reit- No Parking erate its proposal to extend the parking prohibition on Winthrop Road Winthrop Rd, (East side) from a point 300 feet from Massachusetts Avenue to Vinebrook Road. The roadway is narrow (25 feet) and parking is allowed on the opposite side in this area. Mr. Tonaszuck pointed out the Winthrop Road proposal, as illustrated on a street map. He noted difficulty in passage if cars were to park on both sides of the street. At this time, parking is banned on one side, 125 feet back from Mass. Ave. Mrs. Rawls noted a dangerous situation with respect to the S-curve on Winthrop Road and was concerned with allowing parking on both sides after the road becomes straight. All were in agreement that parking should be allowed only on one side of the street and asked Mr. Tonaszuck for his recommendations as to which side as preferable. Mr. Hutchinson suggested that the discussion be deferred to a time when neighbors would be present. Mrs. Battin noted that the Committee had again unanimously recommended signing of Mass. Avenue (South side) from Winthrop Road to Slocum Road to No Parking improve sight distance exiting from Hunt and Slocum Road onto Mass. Avenue. Mass. Av+ The Board of Selectmen had previously adopted the Regulation (No Parking Winthrop 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. ; 2-hour parking 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.) but did to Slocum not implement. Mr. McLaughlin suggested a 50' ban on Mass. Avenue with no parking near the intersections of Hunt and Winthrop at Mass. Avenue rather than as proposed, which amounts to about 200' . He felt that residents in the neighborhood should be contacted for input in this instance, also. He Selectmen's Meeting - 4 - February 13, 1984 requested the Town Manager to ask the Police to enforce the "bus stop" zone regulation which would provide 24' clearance near Slocum Road. mwe Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to table dis- cussions of no parking regulation proposals for Winthrop Road and for Mass. Avenue between Winthrop and Slocum Roads. Resident will be notified by Mr. Tonaszuck's office of the date of the discuss ion0 of the two issues. Planning Bd. The Manager recommended that $12,000 be added to the Professio .al staffing Services Account to contract specifically for the completion by the' request Planning Board, of the South Lexington Study. He noted that this amount would cover 34 weeks of work on a 35-hour/week basis. Transfer Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Snow transfer of funds from the Reserve Fund to Account #5500, Snow Re- Removal moval, in the amount of $20,000. Sel/T.Mgr Mr. Hutchinson noted the need for filing with the Town Clerk b Act February 17th of any changes in the Report on Selectmen/Town Manage Act amendment proposals. Mr. Politi noted that the Board had talked about basing the time- table on a date of January 15 for finalization of the budget, movini all dates back two weeks accordingly and signing the warrant and coming to decision on the budget on February 15. Mrs. Rawls agreed agreed that the 2-week move could be workable Iwo if information would be provided to TMMA in sufficient time for pre- paration of the Warrant Information Report. She felt that if the Warrant is mailed three weeks in advance of the first business sess .on of Town Meeting, and if it would be released to TMMA as soon as it is ready for the printer, it would probably work out satisfactorily It was noted that the Appropriation Committee is favorable to the January 15 date. The Capital Expenditures Committee has not been contacted for its view on the matter. The Chairman felt that the compromise appeared to be a viable one and requested that the Town Manager redraft the schedule based on the January 15 date. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the budget will be finalized by January 15, and all subsequent dates revised accordingly. Lex.2,000 Regarding formation of the Lexington 2,000 Committee, the Town Comm. Manager noted that the Selectmen have identified need for such a committee in terms of its Goal Setting process. t -5- Selectmen's 5-Selectmen's Meeting February 13, 1984 He recommended discussion of its make-up and direction and trends to be looked at and influenced under the leadership of the Board. It was suggested that the concept be discussed with appointed and elected Boards and Committees, in March and that active participation in the process be invited. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:10 P.M. A true record, Attest: "14// ,/) ;YrV/Nrej Marion H. Sn Acting Executive Clerk ' lr `y 4 S= 4 q# SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 27, 1984 A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building on Monday, February 27, at 7:15 p.m. Chairman Politi, Mrs. Battin, Mr. Sacco, Mr. McLaughlin; Mr. Hutchinson, Town Manager, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Miss Adler, Assistant to the Town Manager and Mrs. Snow, Acting Executive Clerk. Members of the S. Lexington Association were present by appointment Planning Bd. to present their views and concerns regarding funding of additional staffing Planning Board staffing and to ask reconsideration of the Board's de- request cision to recommend $12,000 for contractual professional services, rather than for expansion of the part-time planner position to full time as proposed by the Planning Board. Mr. Hutchinson noted that the Planning Board has never had a full time assistant Planner. The staff had previously consisted of a full- time planner, a full time secretary and an intern. He recalled the Planning Director's suggestion that this staffing be changed to a part time secretary and part time planner in addition to himself. He recommended continuing with the plan for contracting, as now proposed, for at least the S. Lexington Study, Planning Board Chairman Smith's letter, dated February 24, was read expressing her Board's appreciation of the Selectmen's support of the $12,000 addition to its budget for professional services. In the light of the work load in the foreseeable future, Mr. Smith sees ex- pansion of staff to include a full-time Jr. Planner as being cost effective for the Town, however stated the willingness of the Planning Board to accept the additional staffing on a contract basis to demon- strate what can be accomplished with additional help. She stated her Board's concern with tying the increased funding to one particular study, noting that there are three major planning projects on the priority list: Lexington Center, S. Lexington and housing, all elements in Lexington's Master Plan. These projects, in addition to on-going work of the department, require the flexibility to use staff as needed on the various elements. She stated that the three abovementioned projects can be completed within the year with the degree of increased professional staffing proposed, provided no other major tasks are as- signed to the department by Town Meeting or by currently unforeseen events. Donna Hooper, Precinct 3, expressed support for completion of the S. Lexington Study but concurred with the Manager's assessment re- garding the Planning Board staff. Richard Michelson, noted that the Chamber of Commerce has hired a contractor to study the four Planning Board articles and is working towards hiring a contractor to assist in future planning for the Center. He supported the Selectmen's recommendation for professional help for the Planning Department. Mr. Domni t z questioned whether the use of a Chamber of Commerce hired consultant might constitute a conflict of interest. Mr Michelson pimm''` responded that it will be a professional study, and will not be slanted. Selectmen's Meeting -2- February 2/, 1984 Francis McCarron, Precinct 3, expressed support of the Manager';s recommendation for professional help. Mr. McLaughlin applauded the Planning Board letter and noted hips position now to support the Manager's recommendations. He noted that, Imo based on the outcome of Planning Board articles, next year's needs for assistance may be either increased or decreased. He advocated that the S. Lexington and Center studies be given high priorities. Mrs. Battin felt that decision on priorities should be a joint one between the Planning Board and the Selectmen, since housing is also of high importance to the Planning Board. Mr. McLaughlin agreed that it should be a joint decision and sug- gested a March meeting on that matter. Mrs. Davison felt that the $12,000 increase could better be us 'd in the upgrading of the part time planner position to full time. Mr. Politi noted that there would be time before Town Meeting far continued review of the Planning Board staffing matter and suggested that it be carried on after the upcoming Town election with the presence of a full 5-member Board. Recreation Members of the Recreation Committee and its Director, Joan Halvrorsen, Comm. Water-met with the Board to present its Report to the Board of Selectmen an front safety Waterfront Safety, dated February 2, 1984. Chairman Carolyn Wilson summarized the report prepared in response to the request of the To ,n Manager and related to the Town Pool's near drowning' incident of September 11, 1983. The Report specifically dealt with the f o llowi .g issues: Facility attendance/ bather load Reporting emergencies Safety equipment Transportation of emergencies ' Staffing and training i Recreation Mr. McLaughlin complimented the Committee and Ms. Halvorsen on the Fee Sched. report as submitted and expressed his agreement with its conclusions. With respect to the limiting of attendance at the Old Res and Pool, Lhe suggested that newspaper coverage would help to publicize the es- tablishment of a bather-load regulation and forewarn the public that in some instances, access may be curtailed for safety reasons. Mrs Wilson outlined proposed fee increases at Town Facilities for the 1984 Summer season. , which, if approved would represent a potential increase of $8,870 in revenue. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following fee schedule for programs of the Recreation Department, as recommended by the Recreation Committee: Program 1984 Fees Pool/Res Daily Fee $1.00 youth 2.00 adult Season Pool Membership 6.00 youth/senior citizen 15.00 adult 40.00 (2 adults & youths under 18 yrs) "..t Replacement Tags 2.00 Swim Lessons 5.00 & 10.00 session Ballfield Permits 3.00 day use 'del ec toren's Meeting 4, _3_ February 27, 1984 Ballf ield Permits $30.00/schedule of 20 games or less 50.00 /schedule of 21 games or more Coed League 40.00/team Basketball League 20.00/team Tennis Reservation 1.00 Tennis Sign-in 1.00 Youth Tennis Lesson 6.00 Mr. Hutchinson noted continued complaints concerning the parking of Harding Road commuter bus riders on residential streets, pointing out Harding Road, Commuter as an example. Residents of Harding Road and Lincoln Street were Parking present for the discussion. He mentioned alternate proposals for solutions to the problem such as using a -portion of the Lincoln Street recreation area and posting of residential streets. He suggested that Lincoln Street be considered as a first suggestion. He also noted that the DPW land on Bedford Street is one of the areas that has been looked at for future use as a satellite parking area. Mr. Dankese, Lincoln Street noted Lincoln Street's curved con- figuration plus blind spots which are hazardous. He noted constant use of the Town land for parking of Town vehicles. He stated his op- position to commuter parking on Lincoln Street. Mrs. Wilson voiced strong opposition of the Recreation Committee to the proposal for parking at Lincoln Street, and noted the Committee's article aimed toward improvement of the area for recreational use. She felt it would be a dangerous precedent. Mrs. Daniels, Lincoln Street, also opposed the parking lot use. She felt that use would make the street even more dangerous for children than it is now. Mr. Caro to, 41 Harding Road, acknowledged Lexington Center's parking problems, but said he felt that Harding Road, a residential Street, is unduly impacted with parking at driveways, across from drive- ways and close to corners. He said that in winter those problems are compounded. Mr. Fitzgerald, 55 Harding Road, noted interference with emergency and service vehicles who try to maneuver the street. Mr. Kearney, 44 Harding Road, noted the high population of children on Harding Road and the dangers resultant from increased traffic. Mr. LeVangie, 42 Harding Road, expressed concern that children waiting at the school bus stop are in danger because of a blind spot at Simonds Road and the obstruction of parked cars. Mrs. Connors, 54 Harding Road, also spoke of obstruction of parked cars opposite her driveway and said she has counted 20-25 commuters' cars parked daily on Harding Road. Other neighbors complained of numbers of parked cars and the ob- struction caused. Mr. Fitzgerald claimed that an abandoned car had remained, unticketed by Police, for three days on Harding Road. Mr. Murphy, 49 Harding Road, felt that the short term solutions ti"* suggested for Harding Road such as calling the Police and notices to parkers are not effective in alleviating the problems of residents. t 7 Selectmen s Meet ing - 4 -- February 27, l84 He suggested moving the bus stop and limiting parking on Harding. 1e felt that parking on one side only would not be a solution. Mrs. Battin suggested the option of prohibiting parking from 6 a.m. lo_ a.m. , as has been done on centain streets near Lexington Center. Mr. McLaughlin felt that banning parking on Harding Road would simply move the problem to another residential street. He was not jn favor of parking use of the Lincoln Street land. He suggested that j the Manager explore other possible available sites. Mr. Hutchinson will look into use of the S t. Br ig id's lot and the Hartwell Avenue sanitary landfill area. The Board will conside the posting of Harding Road and will come to a decision on that issue with- in 30 days. Residents will again be notified of the discussion. Traffic The Board reviewed the report of the Traffic Safety Advisory Com- item mittee on the request of Mr. & Mrs. Philip Cavaretta for a "Blind Cavaretta Driveway" sign on Hancock Street at Revere Street and the concerns Of Revere St. the Cavaretta's about the potential for a pedestrian accident at the crosswalk at that location. The report stated that it had been pointed out to the Cavarett4s that the cause of the visibility problem at their driveway is a large spruce tree and forsythia hedge on their own property. It had been recommended that the tree be trimmed to a height of six - eight feet and that a section of the hedge be removed. Mr. Cavaretta appeared willing to remove the tree completely. Based on the fact that the Committee believes that visibility im- provement can be attained by these steps taken by the Cavarettas, its recommendation was to deny the request for the "Blind Driveway" sign. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny thevow request of Mr. & Mrs. Philip Cavaretta, 38 Revere Street, for instal- lation of a "Blind Driveway" sign on Hancock Street at Revere Street, as recommended by the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. The Cavarettas will be urged to participate in the planning for reconstruction of Hancock Street which if approved by the 1984 Town Meeting, could be started in one to two years. It was felt that theiir concerns related to the crosswalk, as stated above, would be addressed in this way. Cons.Comm. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to permit Town T.Counsel Counsel to exercise eminent domain takings of Lot 38, Map 59 and Lot 83, Map 30, to be transferred to the stewardship of the Conservation Commission, under Article 32 of the 1982 Annual Town Meeting. Deferred Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ratify the Camp.Plan Town's participation in a Deferred Compensation Plan with Massachusetts Financial Service Company (MFS/Sun Life) and their duly authorized successors, as requested by Town Counsel. Poor Farm Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to execute a deed Deed for the "Poor Farm" land, transferring the parcel to the Conservation Commission, but reserving a lot of land suitable for a single-family house for transfer to the Lexington Housing Authority. 1-day Liquor Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the License St.Brigids ' Meetingg -5- February Selectmen's � 27, 1984 application for a One-day Liquor License by the Bicentennial Band for a dance to be held at Keilty Hall, St. Br igid's Parish, on April 7, 1984. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission Youth Comm. to the Lexington Youth Commission to raise funds in the amount of $1,500, Outward to send a Lexington youth to the Minnesota Outward Bound program. The Bound money will be raised through the canvassing of local businesses, industry and civic groups. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve minutes Minutes of Selectmen's Meetings on December 12 and December 19, 1983. 12/12 & 12/1' The Chairman noted a letter from Janet Bonner, 37 Winthrop Road, Traffic item and a petition signed by 19 residents of Winthrop Road, citing dangers to Bonner children, joggers, and the elderly because of traffic conditions, and Winthrop Rd. requesting a lowering of the speed limit from 30 mph to 20 mph. The petitioners also request installation of "slow Children" signs. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the re- quests of residents of Winthrop Road, as stated above, to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for its review and recommendations. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve abatement Abatements of water charges, as requested by the Director of Public Works and Water Engineering, as follows: Lucy Tashjian, 31 Philip Road $177.10 incorrect reading by customer Marion Kennedy, 1 Childs Road 59.40 Estimate adjusted Carol Cannoles, 58 Fifer Lane 98.45 Incorrect reading by customer Upon motion dulymade and seconded, it was voted to approve the Bd/Health P appointment by the Town Manager of Dr. Donald Goldman, 79 North Street, ApP t• to the Board of Health, effective March 1, 1984. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the intent to take temporary Temp.Constr. construction easements was voted as follows: Easements Wellington Lane Avenue & Meadow Brook Avenue Garfield Street Spencer Street (Authority for the above is contained in Article 40, 1983) Grant Street Drain - Authority is Article 31, 1983 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to designate Acting T.Mgr Richard M. Perry as Acting Town Manager in the absence of Town Manager Perry Robert M. Hutchinson, Jr. from March 4 through March 6, 1984• The Town Manager reported on the recommendation of the Police Chief Jeep pur- that a government surplus vehicle be purchased for use by the Police chase--PolicE •• Department in parking enforcement, meter maintenance and for special Police problems. The Jeep could be purchased for about $1,000 and the Selectmen's Meeting - - February 27,, X984 funding handled within the present Police Department Automotive Account, due to favorable bids on police cruisers. The Manager asked the Bo4rd's endorsement of this purchase. Motion was made to accept the recommendation of Chief Furdon fdr •m4 purchase of a surplus Government vehicle for use of the Police Depart- ment. The motion was seconded by Mr. McLaughlin for purposes of dis- cussion. Mr. McLaughlin expressed approval of the purchase on an experi-+ mental basis but noted the probability of high mileage of such surp ius vehicles. The motion having been made and seconded, it was voted to apprdve the purchase as recommended by Chief Furdon. N.Lex. The Town Manager reported on the status of the Bedford Street/ Road Impr. Hartwell Avenue Improvement plans, which were refiled with the State plans in January. The State's review of the plans has been concluded and they have been forwarded to the Federal Highway Administration. No in- dication of State comments have been received as yet. Traffic item Mr. Hutchinson referred to rescinding of approval by the State ;D.P.W. Edison Way for 10-hour parking meters on Edison Way, as approved by the Selectmen on January 23 , 1984. The State's rescission was based on its long established standard for a 2-hour on-street parking limit, and it was noted that Edison Way is considered an accepted way. Mr. Tonaszuck will prepare a proposal for 10-hour meters within the adjacent Town parking lot to compensate for the loss of the additional fifteen 10-hour meters planned for Edison Way i Burlington Mr. Hutchinson reported on communication from the Town of water Burlington and its request to connect to Lexington's water system. After request further review of the request and a meeting with Burlington officials, he will ,,within 30 days, prepare a report on the matter. Sewer Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to defer for three Deferrments years, sewer betterment charges as follows: Alyce C. Monahan, Summer Street - Map 28, Parcel 91 in the amount of $2,168.31 James Alexander Wilson, Pleasant Street - Map 14 , Parcel 49 in the amount of $6,356.80 Sewer Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to abate sewer Abatement betterment charges as follows: Mr. & Mrs. Paul F. O'Brien, Summer Street - Map 28, Parcen 72 Lex.Armory The Town Manager noted correspondence with General Ferrari, Mass. National Guard from Building Commissioner DeMa t teo regarding in- appropriate commercial use of the Lexington Armory on Bedford Street. The Manager reported that action will be taken on the matter if non- compliance with Town Zoning regulations continues. Selectmen's Meeting -7- February 27, 1984 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:27 p.m. A true record, Attest: 4 . Marion H. Snow Acting Executive Clerk lomm