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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1930-01-21 30 =' SELECTMEN 'S MEETING h January 21, 1930. A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at the Selectmen 's Room, Town Office Building, at 7 :30 P.M. Messrs . Custance, Blake and Shannon were present. The Supt. of Public Works and the Clerk were also present. The following reports were approved by the Reports Board, with the suggestion that the Supt. of approved. Public Works rewrite some of the report of the Supt. of Parks. Cary Memorial Library Trustees, Cary Memorial Library Dental Clinic Committee Police Department Planning Board Town Clerk and Town Treasurer Selectmen Wire Inspector Supt. Moth Dept. & Tree Warden Supt. of Parks Supt, of Streets Supt. of Public Works Forest Warden. Street Lights A petition for street lights on Hinchey Road Hinchey was received from the residents of that street. Road. It was decided to insert an article in the Warrant requesting permission to install the lights . The Board authorized the renewal of insumance Renewal for the months of January and February, and of instructed the Clerk to renew all insurance Insurance. coming due for the balance of the year until otherwise instructed. Letter was received from the Appropriation Request Committee in which they requested the opinion of Town the Town Counsel as to whether the members of Counsel's the Appropriation Committee could serve as Town opinion, Meeting Members and comply with the Town By-law. Town Meet- They also requested that an amendment be drawn ing Mem- to the by-law that will allow the members of the berg. Appropriation Committee to serve for a second term if they so desire. The Board decided to communicatO with the Town Counsel asking for his opinion on these matters. Notice of a hearing to be held at room 166, Lovell Bus State House, January 28, 1930 at 2 P.M. was hearing. received on the application of the Lovell Bus Line, Inc. , from the Dept. of Public Utilities . 31 Letter was received from Albert A. Ross, Supt. of Water and Sewer Dept. in which he stated that application had been received for a water main in Valley Road. He stated that Water Main, Valley Rd the extension of approximately 1100' of 6" pipe was necessary to furnish water to the house of Charles McNamara of Somerville. The Board thought that inasmuch as the pipe would connect up with the circuit that it should be made an 8" pipe and authorized the installation of the same, but before the installation is made, they decided that a Board of Survey layout should be made of the street, and therefore instructed the Town Engineer to proceed to make a Board of Survey layout. Letter was received from the Firemen's Benefit Association asking for the use of Firemen's Cary Memorial Hall at the reduced rate of $25. Benefit Assoc. on February 19 and 20 and for a slight charge granted reduced for the rehearsal. rate for Hall. The Board decided to grant them the use of the Hall at the reduced rate of $25. for February 19 and 20 and to charge them $5.00 each evening for rehearsals, with the special request that they cut down as much as possible on the lights . Letter was received from Edward W. Taylor, Chief of the Fire Dept. , in which he enclosed George D. Lexner an application for a gasoline permit for George application for D. Lexner at 542 Massachusetts A-enue. He gas . pumps . stated in a letter with the application that Mr. Lexner had been ill for several weeks and would probably be incapacitated for further heavy work. He felt that if he received a gasoline permit, he might hire someone to do the repairing on the automobiles and tend to the gasoli.:e pumps himself. The Board decided that inasmuch as the property was in the residential district under the Zoning Law they would have to consult the Town Counsel, inasmuch as the building had been used as a blacksmith shop and then for repairing automobiles, whether the gasoline permit would be a non-conforming use of the premises that were used as a blacksmith shop previous to the es- tablishing of the Zoning Law. The Lovell Bus Line Inc. presented a sbhedule of stops they intend to make from Spring Street to Schedule of corner of Marrett Road and Lincoln Street, down stops, Lovell Lincoln Street to Massachusetts Avenue, from Massa- Bus. chusetts Avenue to Woburn Street. , over Woburn Street to Lowell Street, and from there to the Arlington- , Lexington line. 32 Letter was received from R. I. Prentiss , Health Garbage Inspector, in which he gave a list of persons whose Truck garbage trucks were inspected by him on January 18, 1 Inspection. 1930 and advised that permits be granted to those on the list. The Board voted to grant the permits to the names on the list, procided they complied with the filing of the necessary application and payment of fee for same. Letter was received from the Health Inspector enclosing copy of swimming pool regulations of the Swimming City of Boston which he felt should be viewed with Pool an idea of adopting some regulations in connection Regulations.with our town swimming pool. The Board decided to refer the regulations to the Supt. of Parks to have him look the same over and advise the Board what he felt was necessary to establish for regulations in connection with our swimming pool. Mr. Joseph Campbell appeared before the Board in Request for an appeal for assistance in obtaining work. He had work, been out of work for a number of weeks and had a J.Campbell family to support and had been unable to secure any work to supply them with food. The Board referred thb matter to the Clerk to see if arrangements could be made to get work for Mr. Campbell. Report was received from the Chief of Police J.Lima stating that James Lima, who was in an accident on day last summer, had fained recently in Court. The duty. Chief has placed him on day duty instead of Edward Lennon so that his work would not be so :trenuous . Mr. F. H. Ready came before the Board to find Request to out whether or not the Boardwould pay the expense have John of installing in the Cary Memorial Hall a wire McNamara so that the speaking at the reception of John reception McNamara on Friday evenin?, January 24, 1930, monad broadcasted be broadcasted. He suggested that the wire might be left there for future occasions . He reported that the expense necessary would be $65. for the installation of the microphone and $40. for the wire which the Telephone Company would have toy install and a fee of $40 per month would be charged by the Telephone Company to retain the wire. Mr. Blake communicated with the Trustees of the Cary Library and they felt that they did not want to spend any money for this purpose. The Board also advised him that they did not believe any organization having any affairs in the Gary Memorial Building would want to expend $40. to have their Entertainments broadcasted. Sud,estlons was made to Mr. Ready that a part of the balcony be set aside for the women of the Town, mothers of the boys who were interested in athletics, who he stated were anxious to go to the meeting. 33 Mr. Ready stated that he would take the matter up with the Committee and have them decide what should be done. 111 Report was received from Mr. Albert H. Burnham Tenement that the Act asking for permission to revoke the House Act. acceptance of the Tenement House Act will be passed by the Legislature but there is a time limit of three years on the same. He reported that Mr. Briggs stated that Acts were not generally passed without a restriction of some time. Letter was received from Helen M. Kelley, Lafayette Club President of the Lafayette Club asking for the reduced rate. reduced rate for the use of Cary Memorial Hall on February 22, 1930 . The Board voted to grant the reduced rate of $25.00. Letter was received from the Supt. of Public Works giving a report on the construction of the Fottler Avenue sewer in Fottler Avenue. He stated that it is sewer. proposed to construct 6101 of street but that 12501 is required to be constructed for the sewer to connect with the trunk line. This makes about 6401 of sewer to be constructed on a street where there will be no reimbursement. 300 ' of this abuts on the Town of Arlington property. There is also a culvert to cross and a steam Railroad. The figure of $7000, estimated cost does not allow for a sewer deep enough bo take care of the great meadows but it will be deep enough to take care of any building on Brandon Street. If constructed deeper, it would add about $2500 to the estimate . The Board decided that inasmuch as the sewer program for next year is very light, and they are to build the new street, that they should install the sewer before constructing the street. The Supt. of Public Works reported on the Bertwell Road. estimated cost of constructing Bertwell Road from North Hancock Street to Fuller Road. The Board felt that it would not be fair to figure the cost as it was figured, inasmuch as theportion of the section beyond would not be equal. The Supt. was therefore instructed to refigure the cost. The Supt. of Public Works presented estimated cost of construction of Taft Avenue as being $5252.50. Taft Avenue. It was decided to send the estimate to Mr. James Guthrie to obtain the signatures of the abuttors . The plan of Bow Street showing the proposed Bow Street widening was viewed by the Board, and it was decided that it would be a good thing to complete the layout there. It wasdecided to have Mr. Custance communicate with Mr. F. Viano, owner of the land where a taking will be made, to see whether or not he could get the land provided the Town put in a granolithic 34 7 .•rimaai sidewalk along the property. The Supt. of Public Works reported on the cost of putting Cedar Street into good Cedar St. condition as $2800. This would be widening the roadway, filling with gravel, graded, applying of bituminous top and treated with pea stone and loam. The Board decided that there were too many other projects that needed attention at this time, and decided to inform the Paul Revere Golf Club that they would see that the road was kept in good condition, but they did not feel they could expend the money for widening this year. Mr. Scamman reported that Neil McIntosh informed him that he had given a small circle Mr. McIntosh of land at the triangle at the junction of re abate- Prospect Hill Road and Wachusett Drive in Fair went of Oaks to the Town by not selling the land and betterments. leaving it in the highway. Mr. McIntosh there- fore felt that he was entitled to abatement of bette ments on this small strip of land, amounting to approximately $19.00. No action was taken on this matter. It was left with the Clerk to appoint the Tellers in the various precincts to serve at the annual election in March. Letter was received from the Shell Eastern Petroleum Products Inc. in which they stated Shell Gas Co. that in regard to the matter of the sign and sign removed. fence at Massachusetts Avenue, formerly owned by Anselm C. Mullen and Mary G. Welsh, they have referred the matter to Michael McDonough who operates the station. Mr. Scamman further reported that Mr. Mullen communicated with him and stated that they would take down the 10, siin nearest the street and a part of the fence. Checking The Clerk reported that the Assessors had deeds, made a start on checking the deeds of the East E. Lexington Lexington Meadows by asking the Examiner at Meadows. East Cambridge to report the deeds on record. The Supt. of Public Works' letter was received regarding the sewer assessment on Forest Forest St. Street and advising that at the time the vote was Sewer passed on construction of Forest Street as a highway, Assessment. nothing was mentioned about betterment assess- ments for sewer construction, and he did not see any reason why the sewer betterments on Forest Street should not be paid. It was decided to inform Mr. Latimer S. Beaver to this effect. 35 The following estimates for 1930 were considered and the amounts set against the accounts were approved by the Board; Appropriation Committee $150. Selectmen 6125. Treasurer 2000. Collector 4500. Law 2000. Town Clerk 1850. Election & Registration 3000. Supt. Public Works 5400. Town Office & Cary Memorial Bldgs . 9000. Moth & Insect Suppression 4500. Shade Trees 1500. Inspection of Wires 825. Sealer Weights & Measures 450. Inspection of Cattle 500. Inspectir of Plumbing 1150. Sewerage Survey -- Highway Coti. Mass . Ave. from Waltham St. to Hayes Fountain, Bedford St. from Hayes Fountain to Elm Avenue -- Planning Board 500. Advertising & Printing -- e Zoning Laws Board of Appeals 150. New Town Office Bldg. -- Various Fire Dept. Appropriations (Installation of Fire Alarm Boxes ) 3100. Forest Fire Wagon Equip. -- Inspection of Bldgss 1200. Various, Forest Fires 500. Dog Officer 50. Vital Statistics 50. Dental Clinic 1700. Insp. of Slaughtering 600. Lowering Brooks 500. Removal of Ashr's & Care of Dumps 2250. Automatic Traffic Signals 1400. Sidewalks & Curbing 5000. Purchase of Land(Stuart Marshall Realty Co. -- Purchase of Carbarn property (M.&.B.St. Rwy. Co. ) -- ' Inspeettr of Milk 500. Forest Fire Wagon (Equipment) Fire Alarm underground wires, Mass . Ave . , Woburn St. to Elm Ave. -- �6 Motor Pump for Fire Dept. -- CD Equipment of Fire Alarm apparatus, protective devices -- ' New Headquarters, Fire Station Architects plans and contractors ' bids . -- The Board of Assessors came before the Selectmen to ascertain whether or not they could have the services of the TownCounsel in suits which Assessment are brought against the Town, Board of Assessors , of Swenson by Swenson Brothers, owners of Kelsey Ranch, Brothers ' believing that the assessments placed upon them property. is too high. It is understood that the Swenson Brothers purchased the Kelsey Ranch for $30,000 but the assessment on the property is $39,950. The Assessors explained that they did not feel that the assessment could be reduced, and that it was a fair valuation. Mr. Kraetzer stated that he knew persons who were interested in the pr perty and felt it was worth that much. They also had a suit from Mr. George Norton of Pleasant Street for assessment of tax on land. The Board authorized the employment of the Town Counsel, S.R.Wrightington 'to take the cases to Court. Petition was received for estimate of the- Tucker Ave. coat of construction of Tucker Avenue from Baker Avenue to Tarbell Avenue. The Town Engineer was instructed to prepare an estimate of the cost of construction to send the abuttors at an early date so that hearing could be held on the same. The various suggestions for the Town Seal were Change in looked over by the Board, and it was decided Town Seal. to insert an article in the Warrant asking for an appointment of a committee to confer with the Selectmen on the change of the Town Seal. Mr. Custance presented plans showing Hastings Hastings Park and explained that all of the fill from Hill Park. Strep is now being placed in the Park to fill it up and take away the pond which has existed there for some time. He suggested that the park might be graded and walks laid out in the Spring, and asked whether the Board felt that the expenditure of money for the services of a landscape architect such as Mr. Kellaway would be reasonable. The Board felt that it was a very good idea for the park to be laid out in this manner, and authorized Mr. Custance to employ Mr. Kellaway. -v 37 Letter was received from the Health Inspector in which he stated, in response to the Board's letter in regard to the sanitary condition of the barber shops in Town, that he inspected the barber shops of James Geoghegan, Depot Park, Robert Britton, 1836 Mass . Ave. , and the Sanitary Barber Shop, 1796 Mass . Avenue and found the conditions in the shops fairly good, each one living up to Inspection of a code of regulations of their own. Barber shops. He called attention to the fact that the regulations were not posted in the barber shops as required by the Board of Health Regulations . He also called attention to the bill beeore the Legislature last year intending to establish a Board of Registration in barbering and regulating the practice thereof. The investigation made covers a complete investigation of barber shops over the State and he gave the reports which were that further legislation for the licensing and regulating barber shops was not needed at this time. He recommended that the Regulations of the Town be amended to conform to the regulations of the City of Boston , and the shops be inspected three or four times during the year. Letter was received from the State Reclamation Board in which they explained that it was necessary to have hearings before the appropriations could be made for mosquito control, inasmuch as Mosquito the law had these requirements , and realizing survey. that the Town Meetings were coming soon, they advised having the hearings . They wished to state however , that there would be no charge for the survey. The Board decided to reply that they do not intend to have any hearin s or make any appropriations for mosquito control. However, if there would be no charge for the survey, it could be made and then when the information was gathered, they would decide what they would do. Letter was received from Herbert H. Boynton in which he gave the costs of the voting machines suitable for this Town as $1084.50 F.O.B. Jamestown, Voting New York. He also enclosed copy of two bills which Machines . he has filed in the Legislature in connection with the use of voting machines; one to have the State pay a part of the expenditure and the other to allow the single party lever to be used in the voting machines. It was felt best not to endeavor to put in any voting machines at this election. 38 Letter was received from the Town of Nahant in which they explained that they had the Lloyd Thomas Co. appraise the buildings in their Town, and the cost averaged about $1.50 ppr building. Nahant They felt that in having a concern of this kind assess re assess- the property that a great deal of property was ing. found that was not assessed such as garages. The Board felt that inasmuch as the Board of Assessors have made a check of all the buildings in Lexington, that not a great deal codd be gained by employing this concern to go over this Town. The following is the weekly report of the Supt . 's Supt. of Public Works. Report. For the week ending January 18, 1930. Highway Department The cutting back of the high banks on the north side of Woburn Street makes it necessary to employ a drilling machine as considerable ledge has been encountered. There are several places where it is necessary to build a retaining wall. The Department is also occupied with cutting down the high banks and filling in low spots widening and relocating Hill Street. A large amount of filling material from this job is being placed in the low part of Hastings Park. Surface patches were placed in a number of streets. Sidewalk snowplows were operated and snow was plowed back and removed from the center of the town and was pushedback to the sides in a number of streets. Sidewalks and streets were sanded. Next week the work on Woburn Street and Hill Street will be continued and the regular maintenance work will be attended to. Moth and Shade Tree Dept. This department cut down and removed trees in Hill Street. This was made necessary on account of the widening. Next week this department will be occupied with treating the gypsy and brown tail moth nests . Park Department. Besides the regular maintenance, this department spread and leveled gravel placed in the low part of Hastings Park and will be occupied with this work next week. 39 Water Maintenance. The men have been cleaning up the yard, inspecting hydrants and painting and repairing equipment. Regular maintenance work is planned for next week. A petition has been received from Mr. Charles McNamara of Somerville for the extension of approximately 1100 ft. of 6" water pipe in Valley Road from Bedford Street. Engineering Department Highways . Completed Cedar Street Survey. Completed Hill Street plans and recorded them at the Registry January 15th. Line for wall along Woburn Street easterly of Utica Street. Staked out southeasterly junction of Marrett Road and Lincoln Street. Miscellaneous. Made final plan of "Five Forks" to accompany petition of for reduction of C 1 Districts. Topo survey along south side of Oak Street. Work on plan of Allen Street re. school house site . Skeleton plan of "Great Meadows" showing abuttors . Yours very truly, William S.S.camman Supt . of Public Works . The meeting adjourned at 12:45 A.M. A true record, Attest : Clerk. 4