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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1928-09-2540 REGULAR MEETINq, SEPTEMBER 25, 1928. A regular meeting of the Board. of Selectmen was held at the Selectmen's Office, Town Office Building, at 7:30 P.M. Messrs. Burnham, Ballard, Custance, Chamberlain and Robertson were present. The Supt. of Public Works and the Clerk were also present. Mr. Neil McIntosh came before the Board relative to obtaining water in two of the streets in the Sunnyfield Develop- ment. 1t was decided to obtain information from the Supt, of Public Works as to whether the Board should go in and construct the water main only to the house which he is applying for or to complete the extension through three streets, two being main streets, forming a circuit with entrance from Bedford Street back to Bedford. Street, Mr. Robert L. Ryder came before the Board in regard to the order which had been served upon him by the Constable. He stated that he did not believe that one week was reasonable time in which to remove the manure pile which the Board ordered to be removed, and furthermore he felt that if it was moved in the cool weather, that it would be less objectionable than if it was moved at the present time. He stated that he personally visited the pile, and did not realize that is was such a large pile, and he immediately ordered it covered with lime. He stated that he did not wish to become a nuisance and wanted the Board to give him an opportunity to have the manure plowed into theground. The Board requested ter. Ryder to put his statements in writing so that they might know just what he intended to do, and they could then acknowledge the letter so that there would be no misunderstanding about the matter. Hearing was called on the matter of Upland Road Sewer. Mr. Fletcher W. Taft, Mr. Calvin.W. Childs, Mr. Fred D. Cloyes, Miss Edith Stratton, and Mabel S. Stratton appeared before" the Board to express their views on the installation of a sewer in upland Road. MTaft explained that he did not need the sewer.and while 4. Cb1ds desired to have the sewer installed, he felt that it was not right to stand in bb way, but at the same time it seemed to him to be an expensive proposition to have the sewer installed for one persona He also objected on the ground that his mother-in-law, who is ill at his house and being an elderly lady, that the blasting that would be necessary on the job, would be injurious to her health. For this reason he felt that if the sewer must be installed that it would be better to install it in the summer months when his family would be away for a long period of time. Miss Atratton stated that her position was that they had built an overflow to their cesspool a number of years ago, and since that time they have had no trouble with their cesspool. Mr. Childs stated that he had complaints come to his house about his cesspool, also that he had a very unsanitary condition caused by the cesspool, that he felt the whole neighbor- hood would benefit by the construction of the sewer, He stated that the party now living in the Seeley house have an option to 1 1 in buy, and they inforftfed him that they would be very gad to have the sewer connected to their house if they purchased the place, and if the sewer is extended up that street. A telephone message was received from Mr. 0. Gilbert Seeley stating that he was in favor of the installation of the sewer. The plan showing the profile of the sewer was presented, and the Town Engineer was present and explained that all the abutting owners on Upland Road could enter the sewer. $uggestion was made that sewer might be laid in Chandler Street, and the Engineer explained that the original sewer layout did not call for a sewer in this street, and according to the gravity they did not feel it proper to construct a sewer in Chandler Street. After considering the matter the Board decided to construct a sewer in Glen Road, but to await such time as this construction is completed to see if the blasting on this street annoyed •. Taft's mother-in-law or if it was in any dray detrimental to her health. The Supt, of Public Works was instructed not to proceed o on Upland Road until he brought the matter up before the Board again. Mr. Fred D. Cloyes requested that something be done about the gutter at the entrance to his garage in the highway when work is done on Glen Road, inasmuch as there is a drop of about one and one-half feet which is very bad, and he has not had any per- mission from the Board to bridge the same. He felt -that if- the Board constructed a sewer'in Glen Road that they could at this time fill this place. ' Hearing was declared open at 8:30 P.M. upon the application of M. Leon Walker, 205 Mass. Avenue, for permission to erect a two car garage on his premises. No.persons appeared to object, and it was voted to grant him permission. Hearing was declared open at 8:35 P.M. upon the application of Perley C. Tibbetts, 61 Reed Street, for permission to erect a one car garage on his premises at 41 North Hancock Street. No persons appeared to object, and it was voted to grant him permission. Permission was granted to the N. E. T. & T. Co. for a conduit location on Mass. Avenue from present manhole opposite Waltham Street southwesterly to Waltham Street approximately 60 feet, and Waltham Street from Mass. Avenue southwesterly approximately 60 feet, at a hearing held at 8 P.M, The Board requested Mr. Theodore A. Cu.stance to view the / plan prepared by the Engineer on Massa Avenue and Bedford Street along the Buckman Tavern property and along the Common, to see if the plan meets with his approval. The State'Aid payroll was signed Application was received from lar. in the amount of $44.00. Louis W. Bills for permission to alter his garage and work shop at 73 Hancock Street so that the same would be enlarged. Upon receipt of the plan showing the intended alterations, the Board decided to grant a hearing under Section 16 of the Zoning Law. 402 The weekly report of the Supt. of Public Works was received as follows: For week ending Sept. 22, 1928. Highway Department. ' Construction Work on Simonds Road. and on York Street was continued, but because of rain on two days, Simonds Road was not completed as was expected; but will be during the present week. The setting of edgestones at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Waltham Street has been completed, and as soon as poles are removed, the Department will remove the old curbing and bring the street to its full width and level. Surfaces of parts of several streets were patched. The construction of York Street will occupy the Department next week. In regard to street lights on Blossom Street, requested by residents, I would report that by placing four new pies, three street lights can be placed between the end of the present line and Allen Street. This will relieve the situation and light a very bad corner. Moth and Shade 'free Dept. The cutting of brush in the Town Woods has been completed rush was cut from the corners of Weston Street & Concord Avenue, ' t. Tabor Road & Concord Avenue, Lowell Street & Westminister Ave. The top and branches have been removed from the elm tree in front of the Locke property on Waltham Street. A small tr e on Percy Road has been destroyed possibly,by gas poisoning. e Gas Company has been asked to investigate and report in regard to this matter. Park Department. Regular maintenance work has occupied the time of this Department. The survey of the bottom of the reservoir having been completed, the water will be allowed to flood again. Sewer Construction. Approximately 6501 of 8" pipe were laid in Woburn Street, and three manholes have been constructed. Sewer Maintenance. The following services have been installed: Engstrom, Ediot Road, Kette 1, Eliot Road. �Tork has been started on ' a connection for chamberlain on Eliot Road. Water Maintenance. The following services have been installed: Dodge, rercy 1 C� C Road, completed: started service for Needham,, off Fern Street] A 6" main has been laid across Mass. Ane. at Marrett Road to the curb and. at some future time this will be tied in with the Beg main in Marrett Road, As per recommendation of Mr. Sherman. The work contemplated for; the week ending October 6 is as follows: the Glen Road sewer will be in pbogress, as it is planned to start this work some time this week; flushing of all hydrants and sewers; inspection of all gates; water and sewer services. Extension of water mains on the Nickerson property. Engineering Department. Highways. Completed layout of rrospect Hill Road for 1300 ft. and marked grade stakes. Line and grade for curb at Post Office. Line and grade for property owner at 421 Marrett Road. Sewers. Line and grade for construction at Woburn Street. Sidewalks. Measured completed granolithic at Woburn street and Eliot Rd. Miscellaneous. Made up a plan of each Fire Station showing land and buildings for Investigating Committee. Indexed 30 new plans. Attended Planning Board meeting Septa 17th. The principle subject discussed at this meeting was the Vine Brook drainage proposition presented by Mr. Raymond of Metcalf & Eddy. Topographical survey of bed of Lexington Reservoir. Work on topo survey of district bounded by Marrett Road, lass. Avenue and School Street. Started layout of North and Lowell Streets over limits of Ryder property. Very truly yours, William S. Scam-nan Supt. of Public Works. In regard to the request of Mr. Ashburn C. gilgour for abatement of sewer tax, after discussing the matter it, Was decided to request the Town Engineer to consult with Mr. gilgour and find out just how much of the street frontage he felt would be available for sewer assessment. The matter of the ability of the Board to assess sewer frontage in this case and in cases similar, was discussed by the Board. The Town Engineer explained that in his opinion under the sewer act a sewer assessment cannot be made unless there is a benefit and if there is an obstruction, the assessment cannot be made until 4 0 401 the obstruction is removed. He felt that if a house is built on the land which Mr. Kilgour requested abatement on, it could be entered to the sewer after the land is filled and for this reason he suggested a possible abatement of the portion of the s ewer tax at this time, and when the lot was made available for building to re -assess it. The question arose as to the legality of a procedure of this kind, and it was decided to request the opinion of the Town Counsel on this matter. The Board viewed the photostatic block plan showing blocks laid out by the Town of Swampscott as sent to them by Everett R. Montague. The Board discussed with Mr. Cosgrove the advisability of blocking th'e Town off in definite squares with a letter for the square blocks in addition to the number of the block. The Town Engineer stated that he could not see any advantage, but he would make a study of the matter further, and bring in his suggestion at a later meeting. Me. Custance reported that he had made negotiations with the Industrial Appraisal Company for appraisal of all the Town buildings including the Town office Building, Memorial Building, and High school Building for the sum of $450, and that the appraisal would probably be completed in two weeks. The Supt. of Public Works was requested to obtain information relative to the existing sidewalks along the new construction on Mass. Avenue from Oak Street to Marrett Road, and give his recommendations as to what is necessary to be done to allow for lowering the sidewalks and making fills, and whatever recoftn6n. dations he deems necessary, so that the Board may consider the same before making recommendation to the Town. , Notice was received of a hearing to be held at the Arlington Town Hall on Sept. 26, 1928 to consider the matter of hi.ghway safety.. The Chairman was requested to represent the Board at this meeting. License was signed for Mrs. James G. Burton of Frands Street to board infants. Mr. Barnham was requested to see Mr. William I. Brown of 21 Winthrop Road to talk with him in regard to his request for granolithic driveway about which correspondence has been had with the Board. Application was received for the use of the Memorial Ball by the Melody Boys, and the Board decided to reserve the kali for them ending the establishment of rates. The Card discussed the matter of establishing rates and decided to find out what rates are being charged,,for various halls about the town. A schedule of rates was presented by the Supt. of Public Works, but no action was taken, pending the additional information. The Chairman explained that notice was received by him of the dedication of the Memorial Building on October 18, 1928 at which time it is intended to have a program of entertainment and an bv6ning dance. 1 1 The matter of employment of a janitor for the Memorial Building was discussed, and the various applications were presented. ' Mr. Ballard explained that he thought it would be well to have a custodian of the Memorial Building, one who could attend to the renting of the building and who would be in a position to talk to the visitors wbo would appear. He suggested a man of the caliber, Mr. George W..Spaulding, although he did not have any idea that Mr. Spaulding would accept the position. After discussing the application, it was decided to request Mr. Philip Leaf to come before the Board at their next meeting to talk with them in regard to the position. In regard to the claim of George Whiting, Mr. Robertson reported that he and Mr. Chamberlain had been over and looked at the ceilings. The Board requested ter. Robertson to make a settlement with Mr. Whiting for a sum not exceeding $125.00. It was voted to grant the American Legion permission for the use of the Playground on September 29, 1928. It was reported to the Board that the Board of Assessors do not have any knowledge of any other property;in the town that is an -assessed similar to the school house lot on School Street. Report was received from the N. E. Insurance Exchange ' giving recommendations relative to the needs of the Town in relation to'the Fire and Water Departments. It was decided to pass the report among the members of the Board so that they might have an opportunity to read it. The Supt. of Public Works recommended the purchase of a new truck Por the Water and Sewer Dept. to replace an old truck now owned by the Department. The Board authorized the purchase of same. In regard to the application of Eleanor A. Doran for per- mission to erect a concrete block plant for the manufacture and sale of blocks at the Sand Pit on East Street, the Board agreed to advertise a hearing upon the same when the plot plan is received from Mrs. Doran. Mr. Ballard reported that he had arranged to receive extra copies of the report of Metcalf & Eddy from them without ad- ditional cost. The seting adjourned at 12:05 A.M. A true record, Attest: Clerk.