HomeMy WebLinkAbout1930-06-24 207
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
JUNE 24, 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. Hustance, Trask, Shannon and
Blake were present. The Supt. of Public Works and
the Clerk were also present. Mr. Burnham being out
of town, Mr. T. A. Custance was elected chairman
prc-tem.
Certificate of the incorporation of the Incorporation,
National Fire Protection Company was signed, insofar National Fire
as it relates to the character of William D. Milne, Protection Co.
6 Olen Road.
Bids were received on the water loan of *30,000
as follows :
Harris Forbes 100.56
First National Old Colony Bids on
Corporation. 100.63 00,000 loan.
Lexington Trust Company 100.12
Bank of Commerce & Trust Co. 100.10
Estabrook & Company 100.08
The bid was awarded to the First National Old
Colony Corporation.
The following estimates were received on the
heating at the Public Works Department building
on' Bedford Street as follows:
Hearing at
Clyde E. Steeves $3760.63 Public Works Dept
E. A. Webb & Co. 3650.00
Lexington Plumbing & Heating Co. ,Inc. 3850.00
Vernon C. Page 3670.00
Joseph W. Buckley 3924.00
J. E. Barnes Co. 4367.76
R. L. Frost 4371.00
It was found that Clyde E. Steeves intended to
install large heaters which were preferable and after
going over the various bids, the Board voted to
award the bid to Clyde E. Steeves at his figure
of $3760.63
It was left with Mr. Custance to go over the
matter with Mr. Steeves.
Bids were received on the electrical work on
the Public Works Dept. building as follows :
Sword Brothers, Arlington, Mass. *750.00
Water E. Whilton, Lexington, " 1469.51 Electrical work,
Public Works
It was voted to award the bid for electrical Dept.
work to Sword Brothers, and the matter was left with
Mr. Custance to consult with Sword Brothers relative
to the outlets.
41.
208
In discussing the Public Works Department,
it was felt that the repair bills on the various
cars owned by the Town amounted to a great- deal,
and it was suggested that a permanent mechanic
Repairing who could repair the various cars might be
of Town employed at a rate of $35 - $50 a week and it
Cars . would be a saving to the Town.
It was decided to insert an advertisement in
the local paper to endeavor to find a man who
could fill the position.
The Supt . of Public Works was requested to
get the figures on the repair work done on the
Town Cars for the past year.
Letter was received from J. L. Credle,
Grove Street, in which he asked that a sign be
placed upon the post at the corner. of Bedford &
Westview Streets designating the Pinehurst
I Pinehurst reservation.
Reservation The matter was referred to the Supt. of
sign. Public Works to look into, to find where the
reservation was located and advise if he thought
a sign should be placed there .
Letter was received from the Town Counsel
in reply to a letter asking whether or not if
the authority to grant gasoline permits is
Legal opiniaivested in the Board of Selectmen, and there was
gasoline a disagreement between that Board and the Board
filling of Appeals, what the next step would be.
stations. The Town Counsel advised that he hoped this
situation would not arise, but if it did, the
person would be entitled to litigate to determine
the question.
Letter was received from F. L. Beery giving
the intent of the Zoning Law when it was made,
in regard to gasoline filling stations and stables
as required in paragraph 6, sub-paragraph C under
section entitled, "In C-1 Districts" .
Letter was received from Dr. Chester L. Blakely
regarding the inoculation of dogs for rabies . Many
Inoculation persons believe that the inoculation takes the
of dogs . life out of the dog , and the Board therefore requested
the opinion of Dr. Blakely. In his opinion, he stated
that he hasknown of no ill effects of this kind in
dogs that have been inoculated.
It was decided to insert this information in the
local paper for the information of the owners of
dogs .
It was decided to request the Clerk to secure
information on the cost to the Town of having all
the dogs inoculated.
Lincoln St. Notice was received that a hearing will be held
Relocation on the petition of the Board of Selectmen for the
relocation and specific repairs at Lincoln Street, at
the County Commissioners Office, Friday, July 25, 1930
209
at 10 A.M.
Petition was received signed by the residents
of Wood Street, asking rot' the relocation and
specific repairs on that street . Relocation &
Mr. Custance reported that something should repairs, Wood St.
be done at the junction of Wood Street and Mass.
Avenue inasmuch as the construction work on Mass .
Avenue will make that necessary.
The Board also decided to petition the County
Commissioners for relocation and specific repairs
on Wood Street from Mass . Avenue to the Bedford line.
Letter was received from the Town Counsel re-
garding the transfer of the insurance on the Demolition of
building purchased by the Town from Lillign G. and buildings on
Lois M. Marshall, in which he questioned the authority Marshall
of the Selectmen to destroy a Town building without property.
a Town Meeting. He stated, however, that he could
not find any Statute on the subject.
The Board discussed the matter, and inasmuch as
it was definitely stated in Town Meeting that it was
the intent ion of the Board to tear down this old
building when the Town purchased the property,
that they should go agead and do so, without any
further authorization.
II
Mr. Custance reported that he had receivedbids
on the tearing down of the buildings onthis
property, and one concern wanted $300 to tear it down;
another wanted $200. to tear it down, and Hans
Sorenson offered to take it down for nfothing. Mr.
Custance finallysecured a proposal from Mr. Sorenson
for the sum of $25. 00.
The Board decided that Mr.. Sorenson should
have compensation insurance on the men working on
the building to protect the Town from any claim
that might be made against them.
Invitation wasreceived to attend the opening Invitation to
of the new Children's Building at the Lakeville Lakeville
State Sanatorium, July 1, 1930. State Sana-
torium.
A circular letter was received from the State
Deptl of Public Safety regarding Sunday Golf
practice. There were so many places where golf Sunday Golf
practice was carried on that the Dept. made practice.
regulations whereby a license could be granted under
the Sunday Entertainment Law for golf practice.
Decree awarding $800 to the Town to assist in Award of_ $800
the maintenance of Lowoll Street was received by for Lowell St.
the Board, Mr. Custance having made an effort to
secure this assistance fram the. County.
Bill of $120. was received fran Miss Ellen Injury to
Harrington, 11 Curve Street, for injury received Miss Harrington
in a fall caused by a defect in the sidewalk on
210
BC
Massachusetts Avenue in front of the Rubin & Seligman
block. Miss Harrington caught her heel in the (�
outside of the sidewalk and was thrown onto the -road,
injuring both knees. It was found that she had lost
one weekts pay from the Telephone Company, but
was out from the office for four weeks.
The Board agreed to pay the bill of $120.
and secure from Miss Harrington a release of all
damages.
Letter was received from Mr. J. J. Bevins ,
Hill Top Avenue, in which he complained of the
way the road was left on Hill Top Avenue, and
stated that he could not get into his house.
Damages to He stated that he co asulted his Attorney and
Bevins he was making a claim for $300 for the damages
property, to his property caused by the laying out of Hill
Hill Top Ave. Top Avenue and raising the grade of the sidewalk,
in front df his house. He complained to the
Supt. of Public Works several times and had been
promised that it would be fixed up.
Report was received from the Supt . of Public
Works on the condition. He stated that when Mr.
Bevins laid out his property, he laid it out according
to the grades furnished by Mr. McIntosh which
were approved by the Board of Survey. He also stated
that he had agreed to do the work and has already
constructed a new walk and the loam for the grading
has been delivered during the past week and he
hoped to complete the work during the present. week.
Mr. Custance was directed to reply to the
letter and inform Mr. Vevins that the work wassoon
to be completed.
Letter was received from the Planning Board
regard .ng the extension of Oakland Street in which
they stated that they felt they could not make an
Extension intelligent recommendation with respect to the
of Oakland extension unless they could have the data on the
Street. estimate of the cost of the construction of the
street.
The Board viewed the plans drawn by the
Town Engineer for the extension of Oakland Street
and decided that the most direct line contemplated
for the street would be the better one inasmuch
as it would only involve the expense of the removal
of one house while one of the other suggestions
would cost the removal of three houses and also
take w.way the value of thaw laa11d.
Mr. Custance replied to the Planning Board that
the cost of construction of the street would be
approximately $10 per running foot, and the damages
and removing one house would be about $3000.
211
Letter which had been sent to the Plannin
IIBoard was handed t0 this Board for their attention.
It was written by Edith C. Smith who enclosed
a plan showing the intended layout of a street Edith C. Smith
over her property which was formerly the property.
property of Mrs . Jones, end showed the house
lots that she desired to place on the market for
sale.
The matter was left with the Clerk to
secure the proper plans showing the proposed
location of the street off Marrett Road so
that the Planning Board might study the location
of this street.
Report of the Supt. of Public Works was
received on the petition of the residents of Condition of
Grant Street reporting the street in a unpassable Grant St.
condition.
It was decided to inform the petitioners that
if they desired to have the street accepted, they
could sign a petition for the acceptance of Grant
Street.
The Board decided to close the Hall. on Saturday, Town Office Bld,
the 5th of July. closed.
The attention of the Supt. of Public Works
was called to the fact that the grass borders Grass borders.
had not beenimowed as yet and asked that he get
this work under way.
Letter was received from the Health Inspector
in regard to the examination of the water in the
swimming pool. Examination of
He suggested that they have the water examined water, swimming
by a private concern and not by the State, inasmuch pool.
as the reports could be received promptly,and
they would not be received promptly from the State,
during the vacation period in the summer.
The Board referred the matter to Dr. Shannon
to take up with the Health Inspector .
The Supt . of the Park Department requested a First Aid Kit
first aid kit, and it was=found that the Insurance for swimming
Company carrying the Park Dept. compensation did pool.
not provide a kit free of charge.
The Board
felt that if Mr. Garrity had some mercurochrome
bandages on Yand at the e swimming pool in case .of
cuts that this would be sufficient; the party could
then be taken to the Doctor inasmuch as the Doctors
are near at hand.
The Clerk reported that the Chapin family living
at the Town Farm are running a Ford automobile, and
called attention to the fact that the matter of Chapins.,
payment of rent for the house was called to their Town. Farm.
attention some time ago .
212
The Board discussed the matter of the demolition 'T7
of the buildings on the Town Farm property, and
Demolishing decided to ask the Town for permission to demolish
buildings, these buildings at the next Town Meeting.
Town Farm. It was decided to leave the stable on the
Town property until such time as the horses are
taken care of elsewhere.
It was decided to notify the Chapin family
that it was the intention of the Board to demolish
the building in which they are living and they
should look for a place to live in.
The Chapin family appear to have sufficient
income with the children working to care for
themselves.
Board of J.T. It was voted to pay to Mrs . Katherine Kineen
Buckley. Vine Street, the sum of $20. per month for the
care of her brother, J. T. Buckley, from the
Welfare Department . appropriation.
In regard to the board of John Gay at Mrs .
John Gay, Rose Whitney Smith's, it was decided to inform
to Tewksbury .Mrs. Smith that the Town will take this man
off of her hands and place him at Tewksbury, and
will not pay the $7.00 per week for his board in
the future.
Notice was received of a hearing to be held
on June 25, 1930 at room 166 State House at 2115 P.M.
on the petition of the Mayors of the cities of
Rates for Chelsea and Woburn and of the Selectmen of the towns
ventilating of Winchester, Arlington,Milton, Stoneham, Walpole,
fans. Framingham, Lexington and Needham relative to
rates charged by the Edison Electric. Illuminating
Company of Boston for electricity used for power
for the operation of ventilating fans in school-
houses and other public buildings.
The matter was referred to Mr. Thomas S.
Grindle for his attention.
Mr. Custance was requested to draw up
East Lex. specifications to cover the work to be done
Fire at the East Lexington Fire Station, so that bids
Station. may be received for this work.
It was decided to call the attention of the
Unlicensed Chief of Police to the fact that there are boys
anAdes. on the Common who are guiding without a license,
and request him to see that this is not done.
Settees on It was also decided to request Mr. Garrity
Common. to provide settees on the Common for the boys to
sit on.
The Supt. of Public Works was authorized to
remove the tree in the highway at the corner of Spring
Street and Caacord Avenue. He was also authorized
21 .E
to remove the horse-chestnut tree in front of the Tree Removal
Viano property recently purchased, adjoining the
Colonial Garage.
Mr. Trask brought up the matter of providing
liferese
p rvers for the Lexington Reservoir. He
felta
th t if there we'e at least two preservers Life Preservers
that it might avoid drowning accidents. Mr. Blake for Lexington
stated that he would take the matter up with Reservoir.
Mr. Garrity to find out whether the life preservers
used at the old swimming pool were still available
and if not, to provide life preservers for the
Re s ervbir.
It was reported to the Supt. of Public Works Drinking
that the drinking fountain at the Playground fountain broken.
was broken and needed repairing .
The Clerk was directed to look up the records Agreement with
and find out what agreement had been made with Charles Faugno.
Charles Faugno formerly in the Water Dept. regarding
pay.
Mr. Custance presented a plan made by the Drain, Hastings
Town Engineer showing the layout of a drain across Park.
Hastings Park, and the Board instructed the
Supt. of Public Works to place a drain in the
park in accordance with the plan.
Mr. A. A. Ross of the Water & Sewer Dept.
came before the Board and presented figures
showing the cost of operating his automobile on Automobile for
Water Department business. He stated that he Water & Sewer
purchased the Buick for the purpose of using it Department.
on Town Businessd inasmuch as he has another
car of his own fo± lersonal use, he has not used
the car for personal use but very little, He
stated that the car was now in such condition that
he would have to get rid of it, and felt that the
Dept. should furnish the car for him.
Suggestion was made that possibly a Chevrolet
car might stand up better than a Ford car and only
cost $75. more.
The Board voted to allow Mr. Ross to purchase
a car for the use of his department.
The following is the weekly report of the
Supt. of Public Works.
For the week ending June 21, 1930.
Highway Department. Supt. 's report.
Surface repairs made in Edgewood Road and
work of resurfacing Concord Avenue has been started.
Catch basins cleaned, surface patches made
and other maintenance work accomplished.
Next week the department will work on Concord
Avenue and attend to regular maintenance.
214
Moth & Shade Tree Dept.
The work of spraying trees in the streets,
parks, cemeteries , etc. has been completed and
attention will now be given to removing brush
and trimming trees.
Park Department .
The department attended to the regular maintenance
work and will be occupied with that work next week.
Water & Sewer Department
Water Maintenance.
Installed renewal for SpellEan, Shirley Street;
started service for Viano, Mass . Ave. , and Rose,
Locust Ave. Three men have been drilling ledge at
the carbarn.
Water Construction.
Unloaded two carloads of pipe and trucked pipe
to various jobs . We have laid approximately 1000' of 12"
pipe in Pleasant Street from Watertown Street easterly.
Set two hydrants in Walnut Street and three in
Pleasant Street.
Sewer Maintenance.
Installed service from house to curb for Spellman,
Shirley Street ; started services for Viano, Mass. Age . ,
and Rose, Locust Ave.
We are starting work on the extension of
approximately 500' of 8" main in Allen Street. The
work contemplated for the week ending July 5th is as
follows New main for County Hospital, water & sewer
services, etc.
Highways.
Lines and grades for granolithic sidewalks .
Bertwell Road lines for property owner.
Water
Located new mains in Walnut Street & Co_icord Ave.
Miscellaneous
Completed plan for remodelling new Public Works building.
Checked Nickerson deed at Registry
Tracing Block Plans. Sketch for parking from Grant
Street to Clarke Street.
Yours very truly,
William S. Scamman
1 Supt. of Public Works.
The meeting adjourned at 11 P.M.
A true record, Attest ; Clerk