The selectmen or the board of mayor and aldermen or other board having authority to locate poles and wires in cities, or the commissioner of transportation, within 6 months after any petition authorized by this subdivision has been presented for action, shall make a return of their proceedings and their decision thereon; provided, however, that if a permit is granted upon petition therefor, return and decision upon the petition for license presented in connection with such petition for permit shall be made on or before the expiration of such permit. They shall cause the petition for license and their return to be recorded by the clerk of the city or town in which the poles, structures, conduits, cables or wires are located.