HomeMy WebLinkAbout1926-04-13 309
REGULAR MEETING April 13, 1926.
A "regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was hind at the
Selectmee s Office at 7:30 P M. Meters. Custance, Burnham,
Miles, Ballard, end Robertson Were present. The Superintendent
of Public Works and the clerk were also present.
Mr. Charles H. Miles reported that a very bad condition
existed Outside of the buildings of August Young, and that the
refuse from the slaughter house was 'Ullman out and upon adjoining
property and that he had viewed the situation and ordered Mr.
Young to be taken to court.
Edward J Lennon, whom the Board was notified had passed tha
examination for the Lexington Police Department, casae before the
Board to request his appointment as a regular patrolman.
Hearing was declared open Upon the application of Morrie
Berman for permission to build a second class garage on hie pre-
mises on Eibbert Street. The Building Inspector stated that he
was consulting the Building Inspector of Arlington inasmuch as
there was a question about the building being in both Arlington
and Lexington. `It was left with the Building Inspector to work
maths proposition with the Arlington Building Inspector.
Hearing was declared open upon application of William G•
Murphy of 25 Mass. Avenue for permission to install a gasoline
filling station on Mass. Avenue near the Arlington line. 10
Objections were presented, and Mr. Murphy presented plans of the
building which would approximate $6, 000 in value. The lot upon
which the filling station is to be built is very low, and is of
no particular use, as the lot is in a business location and there
will be no immediate necessity of stores. In view of the fore-
going facts the Board granted permission for the filling station.
Application was received from Thomas Montague for an under-
takers license. Mr. Montague came before the Board and stated
that he had worked for James E. McCarthy for a number of years,
and now desired to start in business for himself. The only
requirement for an undertaker is that he be of good character and
that he can read and write. The Board, in view of the fact that
Mr.. Montague wished a license, voted to grant him a license as a1
undertaker.
Special police commissions were signed for Edson Pero and
John Popiano.
LoeatiOn orders Were granted to the N. E . Tel . & TeIe .for the
removal of two poles on Waltham Street, also to install conduits
at the corner of Waltham Street and Concor8 Avenue, end to the
Edison Electric Ill. Co. to attach wires to a N E. Tel . & Tel. Co.
pole on Waltham Street.
Mr. John B. Lovell came before the Board with reference to
his petition for the operation of motor busses through the town
on the State Road and Mass. Avenue to Arlington Heights. Mr. H.
R. Hanson and Thomas F. Griffin of the Middlesex & Boston St. Ry.
Co. also came before the Board to protest the granting of this
license to Mr. Lovell . Although they did not state that the
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Lovell Bus Line would take a great deal of trade away from thee+
they objected to the line being established. It was decided to 'TJ
notify the Transportation Committee which had been appointed at
a recent Town Meeting, of the application which was in the hands
of the Board, and also to notify the Boston & Maine R. R. so that
they would have a chance to register their opinion with the Trans-
portation Committee and get the views of the committee for the Board
to take action on.
Petition was received from several of the residents around the
¢'Desmon, and about the town, protesting about the way the boys act on
the Battle Green stating that profanity is heard which is disrespect-
ful to the town. They asked that none of the boys be allowed to sell
post cards or be guides on the Battle Green without a license. Letter
was also received from Edwin B. Worthen, curator of the Lexington
Historical Society, in which he calls attention to the post cards
which are being sold having on one side the description of the Concord
Minute Man, and on the other a picture of the Lexington Minute Man.
This matter has been called to the attention of the store keepers who
have post cards to sell and Mr. Worthen was also informed that police
officers would be instructed to look after the conduct of the boys at
the Lexington Common.
Application for slaughter license was received from Gustav
Bunzel . The matter was laid over until the next meeting.
The Board signed the State Aid pay roll .
No action was taken on the adoption of new regulations for
street acceptances. This matter was also to be taken up at the next
meeting.
It was decided to call a Town Meeting in the near future so that
the matter of the acceptance of the Sewer Act which has been passed by
the Legislature, and the Drainage Act which is about to be passed,
might he presented to the town for acceptance.
Application for a gasoline filling station at the corner of
Waltham and Middle Streets was received from Mrs. Ida H. B. Capper .
It was decided to grant Mrs. Capper a hearing.
Application was also received from William A. Granfield for
permission to install a gasoline tank at his premises at the corner
of Spring and Middle Streets. It was decided to give Mr. Granfield
a hearing.
In regard to the matter of drainage and lowering of breaks, it
was decided to request the Planning Board to meet with the Board of
Selectmen at their next meeting to discuss just what they desire to
bring before the town at the Town Meeting.
The Chairman of the Board informed the Board that there is a bill
before the Legislature for a Memorial Road in the Town of Lexington,
which was to be over the road of the advance and retreat of the
British Troops. It was decided to request the representative to give
whatever information he could obtain in regard to the bill and its
standing before the House.
Matters in regard to the construction of the sewer up Mass.
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Avenue to Curve Street were discussed. It was found that the sewer
construction account has do item of $4,000 available which was
I secured by betterment assessments for construction. It was foiled
that the distance from the further end of Curve Street to Maple
Street is 1700 feet, and the distance from Maple Street to Middle
Street is 700 feet. The Superintendent of Public Works has already
been instructed to extend the sewer up Mase. Avenue to Independence
Avenue end as much further as it is possible, and the Chairman
wished to bring out the fact that sewer construction should be made
on all streets where it is proposed to lay permanent road construct-
ion. In this connection the Lexington Gas Co. , the N. E . Tel. & Tel.
Co., and the Edison Electric Ill . Co. were notified that no permits
will be issued for installation of public utilities after the proposed
permanent construction, on Mass. Avenue is East Lexington, Mase. Avenue
from Waltham Street to Elm Avenue, also on Waltham Street from Concord
Avenue to the Waltham line, and on Bedford Street where the State
Road is now being constructed.
A slip for the abatement of $28.46 for the Water Department was
signed by the Board.
The Board received a check of $25.00 from Clarence H. Cutler
showing evidence of good faith in his offer to purchase the school
house lot on Concord Avenue which was authorized to be sold by the
Selectmen in 1905. The Board decided to notify Mr. Wrightington
that the offer was received and to request him to draw up a deed
for the Bale of the property.
IDomonic Modoono and D. J. O' Connell came before the Board in
regard to application for Common Victualler' s License received from
said Modoono for permission to operate the Lunch Cart. On account
of the trouble recently had with the last operators of the Lunch
Cart it was decided to request Mr. O' Connell to place electric
lights in the Grain Mill Road so that the alley would be lighted up
as at the present time it is quite a menace, being a place where
young men could get out of sight.
Letter was received from Frederick L . Emery giving the view of
the Planning Board on gasoline applications. He stated that the
Planning Board felt that there was no further need of gasoline sta-
tions in the Town.
Common Victualler' s L oenees were granted to Domonic Modoono,
A. L . Smith,. Helen McAllister, Cerdline A. Harrington end P. E . M.
Hutchins, John A. O'Brien, H . M. Munroe end H. I. Currier, and
Kathleen A. Riexinger,
It was called to the Board' s attention that several of the town
employees serve as election officers on election day and secure the
regular pay and also pay for services that day. The persons 001Cm
of are John Garrity, Superintendent of Parks, Charles Moloy, Janitor
of the Town Hall,, Norman Pero, School Janitor, and James Irwin, Police
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Officer. It *as decided to take the matter up when the election
officers ere appointed.
It weervoted to appoint Mr. William 8. Scamman as Superintendent
of Public Works for the year ending April 1 , 1927 .
The Board signed application for an examination for a police
sergeant for the Lexington Department, and the same was directed to
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the Civil Service Commission.
It was decided to leave the appointment of the fire engineers
until the next meeting.
Letter was received frau the April 19t* Committee requesting
the Board of Selectmen to review the parade from the Town Hall
steps at 9: 30 on April 19th and to go from there to the Common where
the Chairman was to read the message of Dawes to the people.
Yr. Edward H . Mara and Mr. R. S. Eaton, representatives of the
Board of Trade, came before the Board to talk on several matters.
First, they felt that three or four lights should be installed in
Depot Park so that it would induce the people to drive in there nail
park their cars. There was objections from the women from driving
there on account of the dark, and they felt that if lights were
placed in the park, cars would be parked there rather than on Mass,
Avenue, It was also suggested that the police tour around Depot
Perk to protect the oars. Secondly, they felt that the street
railway busses should have certain stops through the center of the
town, and suggested coming down to stop at Clark Street, Paul Revere •
Tavern, and Waltham Street, end that stops should be marked out for
them, end coming up on the right and stopping at the Town Hall, Depot
Park, and the Buckman Tavern. It was also suggested that "parallel
parking" be painted on the curbing and more signs be placed on the
poets as at the present time people do not see the signs.
Mr. A. B. Shuts, train master of the Boston & Maine S. R. and
Mr. Shipp also of the Boston & Maine R. R. came before the Board
in regard to the automatic traffic signal to be installed at Revere
Street. The Board informed the gentlemen that they felt it would
be necessary to let the residents in the vicinity where the traffic
signal was to be placed have a chance to register their opinion on
the matter, and they decided to hold a hearing on the application on
April 27, at 8:30 P.Y., and give notice to that effect.
It was voted to grant Melvin W. Hinds a license to operate a
pool room at 434 Mass. Avenue.
The Superintendent of Public Works reported that he did not
believe that the tracks on Mass. Avenue would be removed by the
Middlesex & Boston St. Ry. Co. until August.
The matter of widening Mass. Avenue from the Buckman Tavern to
Waltham Street was again talked of and the Superintendent of Public
Works was requested to look into the matter.
It was voted to grant an increase in pay to Robert H. White,
Superintendent of Streets, of $150.00, the same to date frau May let.
It was also voted to grant an increase to the laborers of 50%
to 55% per hour; , and the teamsters from 55,E tO 60( per hour, end
the roller man to $35.00 per week.
The meeting adjourned at 12 o' clock P.Y.
A true record, Attest:
Ckerk.
213
REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 27, 192
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30
P.M. Messrs. Cuetance, Burnham, Miles, Ballard, and Robertson were
present. The Superintendent of Public Works and the clerk were
also present.
At 8 P.H. a hearing was declared open upon the application of
Maurice P. Ahern,Wtiitt®more Street, Arlington, for permission to
erect a g.' Zine filling station on Woburn Street at the corner
of Cottage Street. Mr. Ahern appeared before the Board and pre-
sented a property plan of the location, but he did not present
any plans of the building. The Board felt, however, that plane of
the building should be presented, and therefor requested Mr. Ahern
to bring in the same for the consideration of the Board.
Rearing was declared open at 8:05 P.M. upon the application
of Lloyd H. Chase of Middle Street for permission to erect a
gasoline pump to be located near the wayside stand known as the
"Chubby Chase". Mr. Chase had a petition before the Board with
signatures of residents in the vicinity stating that they were in
favor of the permit being granted. Mr. Wilbur F. Atwood and Mr. George
H. Lowe came before the Board and spoke in favor of this petition.
The Board considered the application, and in view of the fact that
there is a bad turn in the road, they felt that it would only in-
crease the danger to likes to have en added attraction to persons
in automobiles to stop at this place, and therefor, voted not to
grant a permit.
At 8:30 P.H. hearing was declared open on application of Anna
Goloboy of 77 Sylvia Street for permission to erect a building to
be used as a stable in a residential district. The Board acting
as the Board of Health, voted to grant permission for the erection
of this stable.
At 8:30 P.H. hearing was declared open in accordance with the
notice published in the local paper upon the application of the
Boston & Maine R. R. for permission to install an automatic traffic
signal at the Revere Street crossing. Mr. Shute, train master of the
Boston & Maine R. R. and Mr. Shipp, also a Mr. Sawyer came before
the Board with reference to the petition, and no other persons were
present, but .* letter was received from Percy A. Raymond of Revere
Stseet in which he stated him objection that the bell would be ring-
ing especially when freight trains were on the track and changing
switches, and at that time the bell would ring continually for one-
half hour. Air. Shipp explained that an engineering feat could be
worked out so that the bell would not fing continuously for that
period. In view of this fact the Board voted to grant permission
to the Boston & Maine R. R. to install this automatic traffic
signal, and a letter was sent to Professor Raymond explaining what
Was done, and also what could be done in regard to the ringing of the
bell.
Hearing was declared open at 9 P. M. upon the application of the
Lovell Bus Line, Inc. About one hundred persons were present at the
hearing, and it was therefor decided to adjourn to Cary Hall , where
the meeting was continued. Several of the residents of the Town of
Stowe, Maynard, Clinton, Glea.aondale, Hudson, and Concord were pre-
sent. Among them were Mr. Driscoll, chairman of the Selectmen of
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Stowe, Mr. Cogswell , chairman of the Board of Selectmen of Clinton,
Mr. Robinson from Hudson, Mr. King of Maynard, Mr. Meserve of Hudson,
Mr. Bates of Maynard and Mr. Carlton also of Maynard, and Mr. Reed of 'z]
Concord, also Mr. Oetd'haus of Concord, Dr. Glazier of Hudson, end
Mr. Howard of Clinton. , All spoke in favor of the Lovell Bus Line, Inc .
having an extension of their present line from Concord to Arlington
Heights. They stated that Mr. Lovell was a man of very fine character,
in good financial condition, and gives good service to the community
that he serves in the section where they live. They felt that he should
be given a permit to go through Lexington to Arlington Heights se that
a through line might be established without a change being made at Con-
cord to transfer to the Middlesex & Boston St. Ry. Co. bus line which,
they stated, did not meet the Lovell Bus Line busses at the times that
they should. They stated, that after 6 o' clock in the evening it was
impossible to get a train from Boston and therefor there was no way of
returning to Hudson except by the long route of changing busses from
Arlington Heights upward, taking a long time to reach home. They felt
that a bus line of this kind would help to develope the community and
also the communities above us. Mr. Neil McIntosh, Mr. Hear Mr.
Richards, Mr. McDonough, Mr. Grant, and Mr. Granfield all of Lexington,
and residents in the vicinity through which the bus line is proposed to
be operated, all spoke in favor -of having a bus line as they felt that
the service that the Middlesex & Boston St. Ry. Co. is giving is not
satisfactory. They stated in several instances it took two hours to
go from Boston to their homes. If they came to Lexington by train
they may not find a bus, but have to wait an hour, or walk home. If
they had a good bus line, they would not have to use their own auto-
mobiles which was rather an expensive proposition.
Mr. Pitt F. Drew, president of the Middlesex & Boston St. Ry. Coo
stated that the Middlesex & Boston St. Ry. Co. had tried upon appli-
cation of Mr. Neil McIntosh to run a bus to the Five Forks and return,
and that the bus line would not pay. He stated that he ran the busses
when Mr. McIntosh requested them, but gradually the number of persons
were dropping off, and Mr. McIntosh, who was paying for part of the
transportation, was also ready to give up the proposition. Mr. McIntosh
stated that the busses were not run at the times when they were wanted,
and that they were run too early or too late to accomodate the people
who would have ridden on the some . Mr. Drew further stated that if a
permit was granted to the Lovell Bus line, Inc . to operate busses from
Concord to the Arlington Line, the Middlesex & Boston St. Ry. Co. would
have to stop their line from Concord to Bedford, and that there would
be no service in this section, as they could not make it ply, Mr. Drew
however offered to try to run the bus line again to wee whether or not
it would pay.
Mr. Lovell informed the Board that he intended to give hourly
service making one stop in each town.
In view of the fact that the Middlesex & Boston St. Ry. Co, offered
to try to give the service which was requested, the Board invited them
to cane to the meeting on Tuesday nest to state exactly what they would
do. The hearing on the bus line lasted from 9 O' clock to 10:30 P.M.
The Planning Board then came before the Board to discuss matters
on the sewer and drainage acts. The statement which they presented to
go out with the warrant for the Town Meeting which will be held May 12,
was read and suggestions mrde in regard to the acts. The Board felt
satisfied with the pamphlets drawn up and voted to have them printed to
be circulated with the town warrants.
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The bond of the Building Inspector was approved.
The 1J. B. Tel . & Tele Co. was granted the location of two poles
IIon Vine Street, also to attach wires to the Edison Electric Ill . Co.
on Wood Street.
The Edison Electric Ill . Co. was granted permission to move one
pole on Melrose Avenue at Bow Street.
The Chief of Police reported that the applicants for incorporation
of the Sutton Club were all of good character. The Board therefor
signed the application for the incorporation of this cltb and made a
statement as to the character of the applicants.
Mr. Atmos Holman and Mr. Edward Bunzel came before the Board in
regard to the fee for slaughter license. The Board inforamt them that
they intended to make a charge of five cents ( 54 per animal. This
seemed to be agreeable to the slaughterers.
After considering the matter, the Board decided definitely to
make a charge of five cents ( 54 per animal as a basis upon which they
can charge, and a charge of $10.00 each for their license fee.
It was voted to grant a Common Victuallers Livense to Sarah Berman,
Breok-Robinson Nursery Co. , Hattie E. A. Peckham, Mary A. Rowland,
Ashley W. Partrigge..
It was voted to grant Sunday Sales Licenses to Arthur Rollins,
IIHugh McIntosh, Max Berman, Ida H. B. Capper, Anna A. Hannaford, George
W. Claflin, Rufus W. Blake.
It was voted to grant a Junk License to Louis Michelson of 44
Harvard Street, Waltham, and A. Greenblot of 97 Prospect Street, Waltham
and Jacob Bornstein.
It was voted to grant an Innholders License to Mrs. Mary E. Garvin
to operate et the former Cary Farm.
Special Police commission was signed forMr. A. L. Smith of Bedford
Street.
Verbal report was received from George G . Moyse, Senator for this
district, in which he informed the Board that the proposed Memorial Road
in Lexington was only the road extending a few feet in Lexington near the
Lincoln Line,being the Old County Road.
The Board signed the warrant for a Town Meeting to be held May 12.
Letter was received from Sydney R. Wrightington, Town Counsel,
stating that it would be impossible for Eugene Kraetzer now an assessor
to accept the 425.00 commission for the sale of the school house lotoan
Concord Avenue as this would be a violation of the Town By-laws under
Article 2, Section 1 .
The Superintendent of Public Works was instructed to have the
streets painted showing bus stops on Massachusetts Avenue at points
designated near the Library, the Paul Revere Tavern, and just below
Waltham Street coming down, and on the left hand side going up at the
Memorial HonorRoll , Depot Park, and Buckman Tavern.
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4.11.1
'VOTED That. pureuent to the provisions in G. L . c. 48, ,
sea. 45 Edward W. Taylor and Charles Callahan be appointed fire
engineers until May 'L, 1926 and until others are appointed in
their stead.' " '
Consideration of the appointment of a third man will be
given later.
Meeting adjourned at 12.35 A. M. .
A true copy, Attest: 4
Clerk.
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