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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1930-01-28 40VON 223 SELECTMEN'S MEETING January 28, 1930. ' The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building at 7 :30 P.M. Messrs. Burnham, Custance, Chamberlain, Blake and Shannon were present. The Supt. of Public Works and the Clerk were also present. The following reports for the Town Report were approved by the Board: Treasurer, Cary Memorial Library Fire Department Reports Director of Home Economtcs approved. Health Inspector Milk Inspector Supt. of Parks Supt. of Public Works . The Board signed notice of intention to lay out the following streets : Bertwell Road, from North Hancock Street to Fuller Road. Layout of Tucker Avenue from Baker Avenue to Carville Streets. Avenue. Taft Avenue from Baker Avenue to Ellis Street. Smith Avenue from Fallen Road to Independence Avenue. The Board also voted to lay out Independence Avenue from Smith Avenue approximately 197 feet. Mr. Daniel J. O'Connell came before the Board regarding his permit for a filling station at the corner of Woburn and Vine Streets . He stated that the plan shown by the Town Engineer took off too much of his land between Woburn Street and Vine Street, next to the Railroad crossing. He stated that he was willing to OOonnell remove the shanty, but that he did not want to filling remove the house which was located there inasmuch station. as he was receiving $29. a month from it, but he would remove the house if the Board would give him $3500 for it. Records show that Mr. O'Connell filed a plan showing the location of the lot where the Board intended to lay out the street which will take approximately 2464 sq. ft. from the lot of Mr. O'Connell. He stated that if at any time the Board wanted to take the land for a street however, after he had placed his filling station there, he would be glad to then move the building back. The Board decided to look over the situation and advise him later what their decision would be. 41 Letter was received from the Unitarian Layman's Reduced rate, League asking for reduced rate for the use of Unitarian Cary Memorial Hall for the Saturday evenings that Layman's it was used by the Rice players for shows. League. The Board voted to give them the reduced rate of $25.00. Application was received from William J. Reduced rate, McCarthy, pastor of St. Brigids? Church Catholic asking for the reduced rate for the Parish Reunion. Reunitinnwhich is to be held February 17 at Cary Memorial Hall. The Board granted the reduced rate for the use of the Hall. Willis R. Bowman came before the Board and Peddler's requested that his application for a peddler's license, license be signed. He lives at 1654 Mass . W.R.Bowman. Avenue and has lived there for 4 months; he was employed bytthe New England Bakery since December 22nd. The Board signed the application of Mr. Bowman. Letter was received by the Supt. of Water & Sewer Dept. from the County Commissioners asking Request for that a water main be laid to the Tuberculosis water main to hospital at the southwest part of the Town. T.B.Hospital. The Supt. presented estimates of the cost of laying the main. Mr. Custance took the correspondence and was requested to take the matter up with the County Commissioners. Mr. R.P. Elliott came before the Board regarding Five Forks. He stated that sometime ago he wanted to have a filling station of his own located at Five Forks, but he was told by Five Forks. the Selectmen that there would not be any more permits granted for filling stations in the town. He had never made any written application, inasmuch as he thought that this was definite information. He had had two offers for the triangle, one was for .$3000; about the only thing that the lot could be used for was a filling station. He felt that he had been deprived of receiving financial benefit from his land. He also asked why itwas intended to take his property out of the business district and turn it into a residential district. He was informed that this matter was one that was before the Planning Board. Mr. Elliott stated that he did not want to sell the triangle and he would prefer to see it put back and the roadway brought up so that there would be four corners instead of five. Under those conditions he would be willing to make an even exchange with the Town; he felt that the road coming up to four corners would be much safer, especially if traffic lights were put in there for traffic control. S 42 nn He felt that ten years from now it would be a store area and the thing for the Board to do would be to safeguard the traffic. He stated that he had 27 acres of land which he intended some day to develop, and wished to have a nice development. When asked if the Board did not decide to lay the triangle in the highway, what price he would take for the land, hestatedthat he thought the land should bring as much as the. land._.ts selling for across the street. Mr. Custance suggested that he would take Mr. Kelloway the landscape architect, up there to see what suggestions he had to make. After receiving the sugg.estion., the Board decided to bring the matter up for action at the next meeting. Mrs. Jacob Bornstein of 4 Sylvia Street, Mrs . Born- came before the Board with her father and ex- stein re plained that her husband had been put injail junk for a period of time and she desired. to mAke dealers a laving for herself and child by continuing license . to operate the junk dealers business established by her husband. Her father stated that he had his daughter and her child living with him at the present time owing to a fire that occurred in her house on Sylvia Street. She stated that she did not know the mants first name that worked for her, but she would bring the name in at an early date if the Board would transfer the license to her or the man employed by her. The Board felt that inasmuch as Mrs. Bornstein had to make a living some way, that it would be best to transfer the license to the manemployed by her and the Board agreed to do so. Letter was received from the Chief of Police explaining that Jacob Bornstein was sentenced for one year in the House of Correction, he having been arrested in Boston for receiving stolen property. Letter was received from Mr. Frank Hines., Water, Bed€- Director, U.S.Veteranst Bureau, stating that they ford Hos- had not made any definite decision on the project pital. of furnishing water to the Bedford Hospital. Report was received from the Supt. of Public Works that Mr. Shumway of the Dept. of Public Safety reported to him that the garage of Arthur A.Field Field was being operated illegally and that he garage. should have a permit to make automobile repairs . It was decided to communicate with Mr. Shumway and ask him what form of permit was required and under what authority and regulations the permits are granted. 43 Letter was received from the Supt. of the Water and Sewer Dept. stating that request had Water main, been made for a water main in Homestead Street. Homestead St. The Supt. of Public Works recommended that the water pipe be laid, and it was therefore voted to lay approximately 175 ' of water pipe in Home- stead Street to the house of W.G.Rogerson. Letter was received from the Mass. Forestry Association advising the Board that Lexington's quota for shade trees for 1930 was 600 trees, and Tree Planting. asking that the Board insert an article in the warrant to make an appropriation for plantin z shade trees, and suggested that many of the trees planted this year would be here when the 400th anniversary is celebrated. Letter was received from Mr. Chamberlain written to the Supt. of Public Works regarding the campaign of tree planting in Lexington in 1930 and stated that the Forestry Association is offering prizes for the best job in landseapint, taking in consideration the most effective planting. Mr. Chamberlain recom- mended that the Town enter the contest. He also included information regarding the Chinese elm. It was decided to turn this informatiop(over to the Committee on Tree Planting, namely, Edward H. Sargent, Mrs. Hollis Webster and Allan Chamberlain. Opinion was received from the Town Counsel. in Legal Opinions, which he stated that the members of the Appropriation re Rep. Town Committee in his opinion are eligible for Town Government. Meeting Members . Another opini.7n was received _from the Town Counsel in which he stated that to his mind the election officers could not serve when they are candidates for Town Meeting Members . The Board signed a statement as to the character Incorporation of Walter C. Boone in connection with the incorporation of Academy of the Academy of Podiatry. of Podiatry. Letter was received from the Town Counsel regarding the application of George D. Leaner for the installation of gasoline pumps in connection with Application, the blacksmith shop operated by him at 542-546 Mass . G.D.Lexner Avenue. gasl. pumps . The complications in the situation are somewhat similar to the case of the Town of Lexington vs Perkins in which an automobile repair shop, formerly used as a blacksmith shop was being operated in a residential district. Mr. Wrightington suggested that when this case is settled it might throw some light on cases of this nature. The Board therefore decided not to grant the application of Mr. Lexner which was forwarded to the Board by Edward W. Taylor , Chief of the Fire Department. 44 Letter was received from Mr. F. C. Green complaining of the manure pile located on "1-1 Complaint, the Ryder property on Shade Street. C4 Ryder Report was requested from the Health premises. Inspector regarding the complaint, and it was decided to send a copy of the complaint to Mr. 11 Ryder after consulting the Town Counsel re- garding the matter. In regard to the abatement of $19.88 presented by the Supt. of Public Works for abatement of assessment on Neil McIntosh's property, inasmuch McIntosh as Mr. McIntosh claims that he gave this small abatement amount of land to the Town and for that reason should discussed. not be assessed for betterments, the Board requested him to give the deed of the property to the Town. Commitment for street betterment charges for the following streets was signed: Commitment, Coolidge Avenue $4000.00 street better- Hillside Terrace 2000.01 ment. Summit Road 1602.55 $7602.56 Letter was received from Mr. F. L. Emery Chairman, Planning Board, giving information regarding an aerial survey of the Town and stated that the Planning Board had a conference with the Fairchild Aerial Surveys , Inc . of New York with an office at 260 Tremont Street, Boston. In comparison with the Block plan which would take from 12-15 years to complete at the cost of Aerial Survgtapproximately $10,000. The Fairchild Aerial Surveys Inc . will undertake to provide the necessary survey within the next xi' months at a cost varying according to the scale of map desired. He enclosed a copy of maps scale of 400' to the inch which would be prepared for the sumof $2,688. Enlarged sections on the scale of 100' to the inch covering the entire area of the town may be had for $1,006.00 additional. Single copies of the 100 scale enlargements of any particular section of the town for special purposes may be had at a cost of approximately $10. additional and additional copies of the 400 scale map, commonly referred to as a "mosaic" map, may be had for $122 . each. The Planning Board recommended that the information obtained from this survey could be available for use by the Board of Assessors, Planning Board and various committees, and they felt that it should be accomplished at the completion of the Block Plan. In connection with the Engin; ering Dept. estimate, the Board voted to discontinue the block plan for a year and to appropriate 43000 in the Engineering Department for an aerial survey. Vine Brook Letter was received from the Planning Board Drainage regarding the Vine Brook drainage project and recommended after various eddies that the Town make a start on the drainage project from Mass . Avenue 4� under the Railroad to the vicinity of Sherman Vine Brook Street, and it was felt that this area would not Drainage. be subject to assessment, but assessments can be made on the aroma owned by C.W.Ryder when it is thoroughly drained. They recommended that the drainage be lowered inasmuch as the development of the territory planned by Mr. Ryder is for a high- class development. Mr. Custance presented a bid which he received for a 72" pipe which can be laid for $18. a foot exclusive of drainage. He felt that the expenditure of $25,000 would bring the drainage proposition up to Massachusetts Avenue, but that did not include going under the Avenue. Mr. Custance reported that he communicated with Transferring Mr. Waddell 's office in regard to using the funds of money. outMaintenance of the Water Account to pay off the bonds coming due. He stated that Mr. Pierce informed him that it could not be done, but Mr. Waddell stated that it could be done, and he thought it good business for the Water Department to operate in that manner. The Supt . of Public Works called attention to the fact that during 1930 the standpipe will have Standpipe to be repaired, and he felt that the water depart- re repairing. II ment maintenance could not be delved into very much for that reason. Letter was received from the Town Accountant Transfers. Charles F. Pierce, in which he stated that he felt that not more than $12,000 should be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account for Maturing Debt for 1930. The following estimates were approved by the Board after considerable discussion on most of the items. Accounting $3150 Assessors 7580 It was decided to refer the appropriation of the Assessors Dept. to the Appropriation Committee without prejudice. Engineering 17500. Board of Appeals 150. Police 33966.85 Health 3500. Collection of Garbage 6500. Traffic Beacon Signals 500. Sidewalks & Curbing adjacent to town property 5000. Highway Con. Summit Rd. from 111 Bollen Rd. to Pinewood Street Highway Con. (Bennett Ave. from Baker Ave. to Tarbell Ave. ) ---- 46 .1:4. In Highway Con. (Baker Ave. frcan Oak St. to near Butler Ave. ) ---- Mass . Ave. land damages 1000. Highway Con. (Simonds Road) ---- Street Lights 24000. Street Signs 300. Dept. Public Welfare 10000. Soldiers Relief 1200 State Aid 400. Soldiers Burials 100. Military Aid 500. Libraries 12248. Parks & Playgrounds 15000. April 19th 250. Police Pensions 1870.66 Veterana Pensions -- Fire Pensions 1107.81 Memorial Day 250. Middlesex. Co. Ext. Ser. 300. Unclassified '500. Reserve Fund 2500. Investigating Com. Fire & Water Depts. -- Permanent Men(For men who lost their lives in World War) -- Com. on Permanent men to secure designs (Veterans of all wars) -- Adm. of Trust Funds 75. Interest 38000. Municipal Indebtedness 84124.30 The weekly report of the Supt. of Public Works is as follows : Request * Mr. Charles F. Pierce, Town Accountant, requested increase an increase in pay of $200. The Board voted to in salary. approve the increase and recommended it to the Appropriation. Committee. For the week ending January 25, 1930. Highway Department. The widening of Woburn Street, cutting back the high bank near Utica Street and the building of a retaining wall at this point was continued, also the excavating and cutting back on Hill Street. All excavated material was deposited in Hastings Park. Because of icy conditions of the streets, it was necessary to apply sand every day. Next week the department will be occupied with the regular maintenance and the continuation of the work on Woburn Street and Hill Street. 47 Moth and Shade Tree Dept. This department cut down and removed a number or trees in Hill Street disposing of the waste material be burning it . Next week the department will atbnd to the treating of gypsy moth nests . Park Department. The department spread and levelled the material received at Hastings Park and attended to the nec- essary maintenance work and this work will occupy the department next week. Water & Sewer Depts. Water Maintenance. The compressor has been working for the Highway Department removing ledge from Woburn Street. Four men have been clearing the land of brush on the Carbarn property recently purchased by the Town. The remainder of our men have been doing regular maintenance work. Regular maintenance work is planned for next week. Engineering Department Highways . Made plans for acceptance of the following: Taft Avenue, Tucker Avenue, Smith Avenue, Bertwell Road. Took sections at Tucker Avenue . Miscellaneous. Plan and descriptions of Middlesex, & Boston Parcels. Completed survey and plan of Hastings Park for H.J.Kellaway. Completed list of Mass. Avenue owners from Lincoln Street to Marrett Road for County Engineer. Plan for Rubins and Seligman. Building line survey. Yours very truly, William S. Scamman Supt . of Public Works . The meeting adjourned at 12 :26 A.M. A true record, Attestr � dti Clerk.