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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1961-01-30 Board of Public Works Minutes January 30, 1961 Regular meeting of the Board of Public Works opened at 7:30 P.M. in the Auditorium of the Community Center, 52 Sanborn Street. Present were Chairman Florence, Board Members Leonard and Hodson and Superintendent Welch. Hearing was held on the laying out as Public Ways under the Betterment Act of Private Ways. Mr. Hodson read de- scription of the following: - EDGEMONT AVENUE which runs in a Westerly and Northwest- erly direction from West Street, a distance of 1397.59 feet more or less to Arcadia Avenue; - ARCADIA AVENUE which runs in a Westerly directon from West Street, a distance of 2200.47 feet more or less to a dead end. - ' Each person present was given a Cost Estimate and Esti- mated Betterment Assessment; also form on which to record his or her vote. A total of 32 persons attended the Hearing and voted as follows: In favor Opposed Non-Com. Edgemont Avenue 13 - Arcadia Avenue 13 - 1 Questions were asked of and answered by the Superintendent and Board Members. Technical questions were answered by Civil Engineer Boutiette at the conclusion of the Hearing. ' The Board and Superintendent Welch moved to the Municipal Building where they were joined by Secretary Harrison. 20 Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved. Mr. Welch reminded the Board of Public Works that it was due to meet with the Sub-Committee of the Finance Committee Wednesday night, February 1, at 8:00 P.M. in Room 34. The Board of Selectmen conferred with the Board re- garding dump licenses for commercial users and fees to be charged 'I therefor. A lengthy discussion followed. As neither Board had formulated any definite ideas, but both being receptive to the Plan, it was suggested further thought be given by the Board of Public Works and the facts presented to the Board of Selectmen for consideration. The Board of Selectmen presented to the Board of Public Works a copy of gasoline bids. Esso presented the lowest bid of $.1774 for regular and $.2024 for premium. Tydol and Texas followed. It was Mr. Welch' s opinion that if Esso ' s bid were not valid, it might be well to award the contract to Texaco where their equipment is presently available. The Superintendent asked permission to review the situation and informed the Board of Se- lectmen e- ectm n that he would notify them shortly of his recommendation. 1 e y y Read petition from 16 abutters in the vicinity of Haverhill and Charles Streets, Dana Road and Small Lane requesting the Board to effect a drainage study survey of the ground water drainage system in that area. Mr. Welch' s comments in regard thereto were also read. Mr. Harrison moved that the abutter whose name first ap- peared on the list be sent a letter outlining briefly the contents of the memorandum from the Superintendent and stating further that when funds and time are available, a survey will be made of the situation. Mr. Leonard seconded and it was voted. !; Mr. Florence read letter from the Supervisory Employees i� of the Board of Public Works, namely, E. R. Watson, Assistant Superintendent, R. C. Boutiette, Engineer, John Tormey, Water Fore- man and William Fennelly, Highway Foreman, regarding the recent publicized decision of the Personnel Board in regard to the salary increases and the adverse effect on the morale and the possible rapid turnover of the present labor force. It was respectfully requested that the Board take the problem to the floor of the Town Meeting or take any advisable course which the Board deems necessary to accomplish this purpose. A detailed discussion followed. A suggestion was pre- sented that a motion be made at a Special Town Meeting that all ' employees be granted a 5% increase in pay as a bonus in 1961 only which will eliminate the necessity of changing the by-laws. Mr. Harrison moved that the Board acknowledge receipt of this letter to the particular individuals and assure them that the Board will pursue this matter further within the limits of the law. Mr. Leonard seconded and it was voted. Mr. Leonard moved that the Board contact the other de- partments and confer on the matter. It was seconded and voted. Allotment sheet from the State Department of Public Works showing proposed Chapter 90 allotments for 1961 was pre- sented to the Board as follows: - State County Town Allotment Allotment Allotment ' Construction 17, 00 77,700 ,700 Maintenance 1,500 1,500 1,500 22 The State allotment has been raised $2,400 and the County allot- ment $1,200. To obtain this $3,600 it will be necessary to raise the Town appropriation $1,200 from a proposed $7,500 to $8,700. Mr. Harrison moved that the Superintendent 's recommenda- tion be followed, Mr. Leonard seconded and it was voted. Read letter from Town Counsel relative to transfer of a perpetual right of way approximately 100 feet wide over certain premises owned by the Railroad extending from Middlesex Avenue across the tracks owned by the Boston & Maine Railroad and to the intersection of Mineral Street and Hancock Street on the westerly side of the railroad tracks for the extension of said Middlesex Avenue so as to connect with the intersection of Mineral and Han- cock Streets. This land was intended as a grade crossing. Mr. Leonard moved that the strip of land be accepted, Mr. Harrison seconded and it was voted. Read letter from Town Counsel regarding any employee of the Board appearing before the Board of Public Works or the Board of Survey as a representative of an outside interest. In his opinion, it would appear that the Board basically may make reasonable rules and regulations for the proper and orderly con- duct of its business, taking into consideration the -individual rights and normal expectations of the Public as well as individual and reasonable rights of the employee. Therefore, Mr. Leonard moved that a rule be made that no employee of the Department shall appear before the Board of Public Works or the Board of Survey as an advocate for, or a repre- sentative of any person, group of persons, or a business organiza- ■ tion having business before the Boards unless he has received prior �•ii approval in writing from the Board. Mr. Harrison seconded and it was voted. Read letter from Tax Collector William Morrison pertain- ing to a bill issued October 14, 1958 for a water service to the Revival Tabernacle at 896 Main Street in the amount of $305.90 and Mr. Welch's suggestion that it be abated in full, due to the fact that it cannot be liened. It was suggested that Mr. Welch write to Rev. John Fitzgerald and try to ascertain if and when the bill will be paid. The Board will act on the abatement upon receipt of a letter from the Rev. Fitzgerald. Read 'thank you' note from Rev. William Gunter on the abatement of $239.38 on his sewer frontage assessment at 935 Main Street, The Board then took up the acceptance of streets: ARCADIA AVENUE - Mr. Harrison moved that the Board recom- mend acceptance of Arcadia (Private ) Avenue as a Public Way under the Betterment Act at the Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Hodson seconded and it was voted. EDGEMONT AVENUE - Mr. Harrison moved that the Board recommend acceptance of Edgemont (Private) Avenue as a Public Way under the Betterment Act at the Annual Town Meeting. It was seconded and voted. Signed the bill-roll and pay-roll for the period January 22, 1961 through January 28, 1961. Meeting adjourned at 10:35 P.M. Respectfully submitted, � SOeccrere tary' , it y Cl c24"