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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1930-09-23 288 C74 SELECTMEN'S MEETING SEPT. 23, 1930. ' A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at the Selectmen's Room,uTown Office Building at 7 :30 P.M. Messrs. Brnham, Custance, Trask, Blake and Shannon were present. The Supt. of Public Works and the Clerk were also present. Mr. Charles A. Gleason, one of the appraisers on the O'Connell and Hunt property, came before the Board and presented papers giving the appraisals . He stated that the three appraisers were unable to agree; he presented the figures, however, and it was found that the figures on the O'Connell property were not included in the envelope furnished by Mr. Charles E. Howe. The figures furnished by Charles A. Gleason and Walter Channing were as follows : O'Connell Property. Valuation of concrete garage to be demolished $9,000. Rebuilding brick veneer store build- ing on new line (moving impracticable) 17,500. Moving small frame store building back to new line, and foundation for same. 1,525. Cost of and removal, and new end on one end garage or shed 1,900. Loss of rents and interference-- estimated 2,000. Land; 3,074 square feet at $2.25 a foot 6, 916.50 $38;841.50 Hunt Property. Moving building back to new street line $19,500 Moving small frame structure back in rear 1,750 Loss of rents and interference-- estimated 2,500 Land, 3,349 square feet at $2.50 a foot 8,372.50 Estimated cost of purchase of narrow strip of land from Boston & Lowell Railroad 1,000. $33,122.50 The figures furnished by Charles B. Howe were as follows : 289 HUNT PROPERTY Taking of 3349 square feet $7,953.87 Three-story brick building allowance 38,350.00 Allowance for frame building in rear 5,000.00 Small brick building in rear 1,200.00 Loss of rent 2,500.00 Supervision and Inconvenience 2,500.00 Miscellaneous expenses 2,500.00 Total Damages to Anstiss S. Hunt Et Al, $ 60,003.87 The Board discussed the figures., but not having the complete figures from Mr. Howe on the O'Connell property they couldnot do a great deal. Letter was received from James F. Little, Lexington Building Trust, asking that street lights be placed on Request Fuller Road between Harding and Gleason Roads, and also for asked that the lights be placed immediately inasmuch as street two houses were to be built. lights . The Board informed Mr. Little that inasmuch as Fuller Road was a private way it would be necessary to have an article inserted in the warrant . Mr. Franks Perkins, who purchased what was formerly the Lexner blacksmith shop at the corner of Mass . Avenue and Oak Street, came before the Board and stated that he wanted to get instruction as to what was the proper thing to do to secure a permit for asbline. The Board informed him that he would have to Frank apply to the Hoard of Appeals to get permission to Perkins re use the property as a repair shop. use of building It was decided to hold a Town Meeting on Town October 15, 1930. Meeting The Supt. of Public Works presented to the Board the petition received for the acceptance of petition Grant St. , signed by the residents of the street, fof; in which they asked that an estimate of the cost of acceptance constructing Grant Street be given. 6f Grant The Supt. presented a list of the figures St. in the amount of $34,900. , and the Hoard decided to inform the residents what it would cost for each abbuttor and if 75% of the property owners signatures were received, they would advertise a hearing. 290 ,yam . At 8:15 P.M. Mr. Frederick L. Emery represent- ing the Field and Garden Club, Mr. Robert H. Holt and Mr. Edwin B. Aorthen, representing the Lexington Historical Society came before the Board. Mr. Emery came before the Board to discuss the matter of planting shrubs at the Buckman Tavern property and placing a fence around the house to im- prove the looks of the property and to give the effect of the house being set off at a greater distance from the highway. He stated that the ladies of the Field and Garden Club had an idea of planting an herb garden in the rear of the Tavern and the idea seemed to meet with approval among the members of the club. It was therefore decided to have the opinion of the Boardas to whether they would ap- , prove of planting a garden. They then discussed the matter of fencing this garden to keep the public from taking the flowers . Mr. Emery stated that the oldest women in Town, namely Miss Ellen Tower and Miss Frances Robinson who is ninety years old and '^oth remembered a fence being in front of the Buckman Tavern, and he felt that a fence would greatly improve the property. Both Mr. Holt and Mr. Worthen stated that they had never seen any pictures or read that there was a fence at any time in front of the Tavern. Mr. Worthen strongly urged that no fence be placed there, 111 inasmuch as the intent of any Tavern would be to keep the front open for easy access to the public. The records of the votes of the Town Meeting when the Town purchased the Buckman Tavern property, and the copy of the lease with the Historical Society was before the Board. Mr. Emery interpreted the part of the lease in which it is stated, "the land above described is not to be fenced or in any way separated from the adjoining land, but is to be kept open as a part of a park for which the whole tract is intended", to mean that a fence could be put up around the house, while Mr;' Worthen felt that it wad distinctly against the agreement with the Historical Society and could be only erected by vote of the Town to change the lease. Mr. Worthen did not object to a garden in the rear being fenced in. Mr. Blake made the suggestion that the flower garden might be used as a tea garden also, with waitresses dressed in old colonial costumes . It was suggested aido that a pamphlet giving the uses of the old herb plants might be written up by Mrs . Hollis Webster and a fee of five or ten cents collected for permission to enter the garden. 111The Board informed Mr. Emery that he should take the matter up with the Le±ington Historical Society, and that he should have a definite plan regarding the shrubs intended to be planted on the property before they would approve the same. 291 IIA peddler's license was signed for Watermann George Porter, 39 Theresa Avenue, provided he Peddlers file the three letters of recommendation as re- License. quired by the Board. The Board prepared the following pro- clamation for the American Legion Convention and decided to insert the same in the local newspaper and also send it to the various churches to be read Whereas the American Legion is holding a convention in Boston during the dates from American October 6, 1930 to October 9, 1930, and Legion Whereas large numbers have signified their proclamation intentions to visit Lexington during their stay in Boston, be it Therefore, proclaimed that it is the earnest request of the Selectmen of Lexington that the citizens d4 everything in their power to make their visit here both pleasant and profitable, and that they display the National Colors during the period from October 6, 1930 to October 9, 1930. Albert H. Burnhiam Clarence Shannon Selectmen Hallie C. Blake of Robert P. Trask Lexington Theodore A. Custance Permission was granted to the N.E. Tel. & Tel. Pole Co. and the E.E.I.Co. to attach wires to a pole Locations on Lowell St. 1040 feet north of Woburn St. and attachments Permission was granted to the E.E. I. Co. and the N.E. Tel. & Tel. Co. to set and remove one pale at the corner of Clarke and Parker Streets . Letter was received from William Viano asking for permission to operate his theatre Viano Sun. on Sundays inasmuch as the Board has issued Entertain- Sunday permits for amusements such as miniature ment license. golf licenses . The Board considered the matter, and voted not to grant Mr. Viano a permit . Letter was received from the Tercentenary Committee of Boston asking that a representative be sent to participate in the Colonial parade to Boston be held in Boston Gardens . Tercentenary Mr. Ezra F. Breed was asked to participate Parade inasmuch as it was felt that he might participate in his Minute-Man costume. Letter was received from the Town Counsel, S. R. Wrightington, in which he stated that Mr. 292 C74 Robert H. Holt had informed him that Mr. George A. Woods of Bloomfield St. was ready to settle his Claim Woods provided the sewer was installed. Claim The Supt. of Public Works was requested to secure the figures on the cost of installing the sewer. Removal of Letter was received from the Town Cnunsel in Town which he called attention to a notice received from Meeting Eugene G. Kraetzer of his removal from one precinct Members to another, and of his being elected as a Town Meet- from ing Member of the precinct from which he moved; he one requested the status of his position. Precinct Mr. Wrightington informed him that after the to another March election he would cease being a town meeting member of the preeinet to which he was elected, and the vacancy caused by his removal would have to be filled at the annual election, He desired to call this matter to the attention of the Board inasmuch as there would be various other cases of this kind. A pamphlet showing pictures of a mausoleum was Mausoleum placed before the Board by Frederick J. Spencer through the Chairman. They asked permission to erect a mausoleum in Lexington. The Board, however, not knowing the intended location refused to consider the matter. Letter of resignation was received from Mrse. Lilian Holt, 11 Bennington Rd. , from the Dental Clinic Committee. Resignation The Board voted to accept the resignation and Dental to request Mr. T. S. Grindle and Mrs. Hugh D. Clinic. McLellan, the remaining members, to send in their recommendation of their choice to fill the vacancy. Letter was received from William Roger Greeley in which he called attention to the "Welcome to Lexington" signs being used by the Board of Trade, Welcome they hayinge c art ed f�'r�oQm th r original con- to dition/&ad'Rdt ig4aw at'fi'e ago yolvapfaNi gift of Miss i Lexington The Board informed Mr. Greeley that they were Sarah E. signs. not given to the Town, but were given to the Holmes to Board of Trade, and that his communication 'should the Town be directed to them. t. at they should be Commitment of water charges in the amount of left in Commitments $854.61 and commitment of sewer charges in the their or- amount of $417.92 were signed by the Board. iginal con- * dition The Supt. of Public Works reported regarding the water main in Fottler Avenue, that 385 ' of water pipe main was constructed in Fottler Avenue. The Suburban Land Co. paid *518.62 for pipe fittings and labor. Mr. Brand has asked to be reimbursed for the amount paid with interest. The cost of installing the main at this time would be $947 .10. The Supt. recommended that the Suburban Land Co. be paid only the $518.62. Fottler Ave. Mr. Scamman stated that he did not look up Water pipe. the records in 1921 but he had in mind that there had been a meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Water and Sewer Commissioners at which time they agreed to allow the Suburban Land Co. to purchase the pipe. The Clerk was instructed to look up the records and the matter was 31id on the table again for one weekl Letter was received from the American Legion Stanley Hill Post #38 in which they stated that the American cost of the banner which they intended to display for Legion the American Legion Convention week would be $100 . expend- The cost of entertaining the Virginia delegation itures . they could not definitei-y state, but they were holding $200 in reserve for emergencies that might arise, so they would not exceed their appropriation. The Eoard agreed to approve the expenditures as stated, so long as they were making provision not to over-run the appropriation. Delegation from the American Legion headed by E. J. Viano, J. J. Walsh, E. Partridge, together with J. J. Lyons employed in the garbage depart- ment or the collection of garbage, came before the Board presenting a petition signed by 265 people asking that the Selectmen defer taking any action relative to the collection of garbage by a private contractor so that the men employed by the Town may not be out of work. Mr. Viano explained that three of the men were Legion men and had large families to support, and if they were not employed they would have to apply to Garbage the Welfare Dept . for aid. He felt that although Contract. the Town Might save money in letting out the contract, that they would also put these men out of work. Mr. Viano stated that it was his understanding that one, of the trucks used had a mileage of 21,000 and he did not think this was excessive for a Ford truck and the only trouble with the other truck was treat it used three quarts of oil a day. He felt that if the Town stored its cars it would save $96. on the storage of the cars this year and that amount would take care of all the repairs that might be had on the car. He stated also that from the figures he had, it cost only five cents a mile to operate the trucks, and he thought that this was a very reasonable price. Mr. Scamman stated that he intended to purchase two new trucks next year and to repair the old ones. He stated that these trucks receive hard usage and the CI- repair bills this past year have been bery high. ;L(/ (-/ He felt that two men on one truck should go in the thickly settled districts to give service lir every day and one man on each of the other trucks could do the outlying districts. The Board took the matter under advisement, and considered the possibility of getting an appropriation to have some construction done on the water departneat which might keep the men who are unemployed busy. The Supt . of Public Works reported on the garbage contract having the approval of the Town Counsel with minor changes made. Garbage The Board again considered whether or not Contract they would award the contract for collection of garbage to John Connors, and voted to do so pro- vided he sign the contr .ct and file the necessary bond and certificate of compensation insurance. It was decided to have the contract go into effect on October 1, 1930. The Board viewed the plan showing the loca- Plan of tion of the junction of Burlington Street with Blake junction of Road and North Hancock Street as presented by the Burlington Town Engineer. It showed the widening and the St. place for a triangle in the center. The Board decided to have the trees placed on the plan, but this was not done, and no action was taken on the matter. It was decided to have $3000 placed on the Insurance blanket schedule to cover the locker buildings at the swimming. It was reported that even. though street lights have been ordered for Hinchey Road for Lights, quite some time, the E.E.I.Co. has not installed Hinchey the electricity to the homes of the people living Rd. on the street, and that they have equipped their homes with electrical equipment and did away with their lamps and they needed the service very badly. It was decided to write tb,•the E.E.I. Co. and call their attention to the matter and ask if some action could not be taken immediately. The following is the weekly report of the Supt. of Public Works : For the week ending September 20, 1930. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT The work of repairing the top of the water trench in Pleasant Street from Mass . Avenue to Concord Avenue has been carried on during the week. Continued the construction of Taft Avenue removing a large amount of ledge and poor material. a 4 295 Catch basins and gutters were cleaned, brush cut and other maintenance work attended to. Next week the department will work on the construction of Fottler Avenue and Taft Avenue and attend to the regular maintenance. MOTH & SHADE TREE DEPT . Cleaned out the underbrush in Bowman Park; removed two trees in Mass . Avenue and two trees in Waltham Street. Next week the department will start cleaning the moth nests . PARK DEPARTMENT Regular maintenance work has occupied the department during the past week and will be attended to next week. WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Water Maintenance IIReset Hydrant on Cherry Street. Water Construction About 100' 6" water pipe has been carried into the building at the earbarn, and the water pipe has been lowered. Extendc'd 40' 6" water pipe in Cherry Street. Two men have been drilling and blasting for the Highway Department. Water main in Fottler Avenue connected with new Mass . Avenue main. Completed the connection at Bow Street. Sewer Construction Conneeted the new sewer in Fottler Avenue with the Mass. Avenue sewer. Brooks Seven men have been Cleaning out brooks. Regular maintenance work is planned for next week. ENGINEERTNG DEPARTMENT 11 I Highways Set stone bounds on Bertwell Road. Set property stakes on Hillside Avenue which were removed for granolithic sidwalk. 296 Water Tied in main at Mass. Avenue and Bow Street. Sewer Measured up Pottier Avenue sewer as constructed. Miscellaneous Located and measured new buildings for block plans . Tracing block plans. Spent part of two days at Registry regarding land near Lincoln line. Attended meeting of special committee on Vine Brook Drainage, Sept . 17th. Yours very truly, William S. Scamman Supt. of Public Works . The meeting adjourned at 11:45 p.m. A true record, Attest : Clerk. I