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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1931-03-24 459 SELECTMEN 'S MEETING MARCH 24, 1931 A regular meeting of the Board of S.alectmen was held at the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building at 7 :30 P.M. Messrs . Trask, Blake, Shannon, Cust,ince and Gilcreas.t were present. The Supt. of Public Works and the Clerk were also present . The Board of Survey approved plan showing the layout of Ledgelawn Avenue, the same being a highway which will Ledgelawn lead from Redford Street to Hillside Terrace. Ave. Bids were received On the $150,000 temporary loan dated March 25, 1931 and payable December 3, 1931 as follows : Lexington Trust Company 2.04 Atlantic Corporation 2.08 Bank of Commerce & Trust Co. 2.085 Old Colony Trust Co. 2.095 $150,000 Solomon Bros . & Hutzler 2.06 loan. Faxon & Gade 2.08 The bid was awarded to the Lexington Trust Co. Mr. Richards came before the Board to discuss informally the application of Miss Louise M. Hannaford for permission to deal in gasoline, oil and automobile Supplies on Marrett Road at the roadside stand operated now by the Misses Hannaford. • Mr. Richards explained that his father had the mortgage on the property Hannaford occupied by the Misses Hannaford and the Hannaford application. sisters were very much in need and they felt that by making this application it might bring about some additional funds for them. Mr. Richards asked Whether or not the property as it stands would be suitable for residences and whether there might be any call for the sale of lots for residences at this time . He felt that eventually the Hannaford sisters might come back on the Town for aid if some Means of livelihood was not provided for them. He was informed that the district in which they are now operating a roadside stand is a residence district , and that it has been the policy of the Board not ant any permits in residence districts . They did nb believe that in that particular location there would be enough business to warrant another filling station, inasmuch as the present stations, with all the facilities for handling business, have not a great deal of business. They did not believe that if the Zoning was changed, that it would warrant granting a permit. They did not intend to disturb the Hannaford sisters from their present business even though that might be in violation of the Zoning Laws , inasmuch as} they sell products other than that grown upon the premises . Mr. Richards asked whether or not if some improvements were made to the present shack and the pumps putin, if that would be agreeable to the Board. He stated that the initial layout of putting in the pumps would be 460 -� $150, and he felt that when people drive in for vegetables they might also get gasoline. •7.1 The Board informed Mr. Richards that they would C4 put in writing statements to him regarding their position relative to this application. Garbage Garbage transportation license was granted to license. A.H. Hanlon of Bedford. State State aid payroll in the amount of $12. was Aid. approved by the Board. Bill of $20. for services to S. R. Wrightington Dunham in the case of L. K. Dunham vs. Town of Lexidgton vs. was approved. This case was where Mr. Dunham tried to Town of collect salary from the kown for the position of Lexington. Inspector of Slaughtering after he had been appointed and the Town refused to appropriate the money for the salary. The Board considered the applications for the position of Building Inspector. They considered the Building application of Mr. Frank Cook of Lowell St. , Lexington, Inspector. which had been mislaid in the office, and after considering the various applicants, the Board voted to appoint Mr. Fred Longbottom of 16 Independence Road as Building Inspector to take office on April lst. Letter was received from Christine F. Long in Dental which she resigned as a member of the Dental Clinic Clinic Committee. Mrs. Long's resignation was accepted, Committee. In place of Mrs . C. F. Long and Mrs. Nina F. McLellan, it was voted to appoint Mrs. Robert H. Holt and Mrs. Arthur B. Field. Alcohol Alcohol license for Herbert M. Lawrence was license. signed by the Board. First class motor vehicle licenese was granted lst Class to Clifford H. Faulkingham. Mr. Faulkingham is to Motor occupy the garage at 3 Bow Street owned by Nellie Vehicle Lic. Viano and which has been occupied for a number of years prior to the passage of the Zoning Law. Mr. Custance reported that the Board of Appeals were not unanimous in their decision on the application Pichette & of Pichette and Ahern for permission to aaititain a Ahern garage and filling station at 847-855 Mass. Ave. application. The decision of the Board of Appeals must be unanimous. Upon request, the Clerk reported having communicated over the telephone with Mr. Murphy, Assistant to Mr. John W. Reth, State Fire Marshal, and having read the section of the Zoning Law that requires the Board of Appeals to act upon this matter, Mr. Murphy gave the opinion that the State law delegates the power to the Board of Selectmen and the Chief of the Fire Dept. to grant licenses for garages and the sale of gasoline, and that any local by-law whieh places the authority elsewhere conflicts with the State Law. The Board decidedto request Mr. Murphy to put his opinion in writing. 461 The Board viewed the communication of the Town Counsel rendered previously when the matter of having hearings by the Board of Appeals was discussed. As this letter did not seem to cover the exact situation, the Board decided to request the Town Counsel to give further information regarding this particular case. Letter was received from Maurice McWalter of Concord, Mass. who was acting as Attorney for Mrs . Catherine F. Herbert . He stated that the Town, at the time the work of re- construction of Mass. Ave. was being done closed the entrance to Mrs. Herbert's property, and it was agreed that a new entrance be made to provide a driveway to her Drive- property. This has not been completed, and it is impossible way of to use this end of her land as it has not been filled in. C. He stated that he had taken up the matter with the County Eerbert. Commissioners and they referred him to the Selectmen. Mrs . Herbert is not seeking any damages, but she did desire to have the work completed. Mr. Custance reported having communicated with Mrs . Herbert, and she agreed to the proposition of filling in the land when the work is done on Wood Street. The Chairman therefore directed a letter to Yr. McWalter- in which he explained that the rock pile referred to would be covered when Wood Street was rebuilt. A copy of this letter was also sent to the County Commissioners ' Office. In regard to .the letter of Edward W. Taylor, relative to insurance to protect him against injury while serving as Chief of Chief of the Fire Dept . , Mr. Gilcreast was to take the Fire Dept, letter up with Mr. Taylor and find out what suggestions re he might have in regard to this matter. insurance, A copy of the vote for the reconstruction of Mass. Avenue was sent to the Dept. of Public Warks,"also mention of the fact that the Board intends to ask the Mass.Ave. Town for an appropriation of $5000 for the reconstruction of Wood Street, at the April Town Meeting. Mr. Trask reported that he had some of the shade tree people come to Lexington to give him bids on the work of trimming and pruning the trees . He had bids Shade Treem of various prices and various suggestions on how to do the work and various prices were given on the fertilizer. He had no definite recommendation to make, but would endeavor to make a recommendation next week. Mr. Blake reported that Sheldon Robinson informed Mr. Garrity, Supt. of Parks , that there were some trees in the Horticultural Society that he could get to plant in the Town and through this, some very fine trees were obtained. The Supt. of Public Works reported that Henry Raymond, Clarke St. , requested that a tree be planted in front of his premises to take the place of the large Request one that was removed. for tree. Tha Board instructed the Supt. of Public_ Works to 462 have Mr. Garrity plant a tree at this location. - l7 Letter was received from Mr. Allan Chamberlain in which he offered a suggestion in regard to the handling of the matter of shade trees. He suggested Suggestion that the appropriation be divided into two classes. re Shade One for shade trees on public highways and the other for Trees . the trees on the public grounds. The Chairman replied to the letter thanking him for his suggestions. Letter was received from Mr. W.S. Scamman in which he advised that the Ford Sedan belonging to the Police Dept. be turned in and a new one purchased. The old Purchase of one has a milage of 29,000. The exchange for a new Ford Sedan & two-door sedan would cost the Dept. $350. motorcycle. He also suggested that a new motorcycle, which will be a net cost to the Town of $165. after turning in the old one, should also be purchased at this time. The Board authorized the Supt. of Public Works to make these purchases. Mr. Trask reported a letter regarding a meeting with John Nolen, Town Planner, as suggested by Mr. William H. Ballard. In his letter Mr. Trask informed Conference Mr. Nolen that he would be glad to talk with him but with Mr. at the present time the Town did not look with favor Nolen, Town upon appropriations for work other than that which is Planner. absolutely necessary. Mr. Custance reported that Mr. Nolen had been before the Board previously but the Board had not seen fit to go any further with the project. Editorial, An editorial was received from the New York World playgrounds . relative to playgrounds for children. It was decided to have Mr. Edwin B. Worthen and the Chief of Police come before the Board next Tuesday evening to discuss the resolution offered by Resolution, Mr. Worthen at Town Meeting March 23rd, "that the E.B.Worthen. traffic conditions on Mass. Avenue, East Lexington, are such as to require attention and the Selectmen are hereby requested to study the same and bring in their recommendations. at a later date." The Chief of Police was requested to bring in all information relative to the accidents that occurred in East Lexington during the year 1930, and to date. Mr. Custance brought before the Board a plan showing the relocation of Bow St. , and the description of the Town Engineer showing this relocation. He Bow St. explained that the Board sometime ago took up the matter of the relocation with Mr. Frank H. Viano whose wife owns the property at the corner of Bow St. Mr. Viano agreed that when the relocation was made that if the Town puts in a grandlithic sidewalk on that side of his property after making the widening, that he would settle for the sum of $300. He called this to the Board's attention owing to the fact that the next warrant would call for an article for the widening of this street. 463 It was voted that William C. Paxton, Jr. and Assistant John O'Connor be appointed as Assistant Assessors. Assessors. The Town Counsel enclosed to the Board a letter which he had sent to Mr. Maurice Page regarding the removal of the tin building at East Lexington. In his letter he informed Mr. Page that he himself stated to him that he did not know who was the owner of the property in question. He informed Mr. Page that Old Tin if he was the owner, the Town would hold him responsible Bldg. for the expense the Town was put to in tearing down the building. This cane in response to the letter of Mr. Page written to Mr. Hans Sorenson. In regard to the vote offered by Mr. Willard C. Hill that the Selectmen investigate the collection of dog licenses, the Board felt that if notice weresent to the owners of dogs last year that this would bring a Dog licenses better response than a printed notice in the local paper. It was decided to send to the Town Counsel the votes of the Town authorizing the sale of three parcels of land; one to Wilpiam L. Burrill for the sum. of $332; another Deeds of to Robertikit. White for the sum of $40. and the third land. to Ervin R. Dix, Trustees of the Home Finance Co. for the sum of $1000. with the instructions that the Town 111 Counsel draw the deeds to be signed, conveying the land to these parties. Application for aid was received from Mrs. Bernadine Aid. Canisius, 12 Reed. St. It was decided to hold a Town Meeting April 27, Town .1931. Meeting. 1 Mr. Custance presented the following bids for Removal the removal of the pumping works station and the sheds of at the Town Farms buildings. Cost Pumping Cost House & Station & House Sheds At Town & Shed at Town Farm Only. Farm. Central B],dg. Wrecking Co. $850 Mystic Bldg. Wrecking Co. 350. Hans Sorenson No charge if given material $100. Stephen DeVeau 295. lt 'was decided to accept the bid of Hans Sorenson 464 .1:Z% Sorenson of no charge for taking down the pumping station ..7 provided satisfactory evidence is shown that there C.J will be no liability on the Town even if the Town has to pay for an insurance policy. The matter was left in the hands of Mr. Custance. In regard to the bids for the removal of the house and sheds on the Town Farm property, this matter was laid over for another week. Mr. Gilcreast stated that he might be able to get a better bid. In regard to the article which the Chief of Police presented to be inserted in the next Warrant for Town Meeting which provides that the Town may appropriate ' Article money for the purchase of uniforms for the members of re the Police and Fire Departments, the Board decided uniforms that this act should not be inserted in the Warrant. of Police & Fire Depts. The Board instructed the Supt. of Public Works St. light. to place a light on Bedford Street opposite Reed St. TransferAttention was called to the fact that the sum of $1372 received from the sale of land must be transferred of money. from the Town Debt Account to the Purchase of the Stone property. The Town Engineer and the Supt. of Public Works presented a plan showing the study of the drains on Hill Street and Reed Street. Mr. Gilcreast called attention to the fact that Drains . when the appropriation for highway maintenance was made at the Town Meeting, Dr. Shannon stated that there would be no money spent on Hill Street this year. Mr. Custance called attention to the fact that if this drainage is not carried away, possibly a suit will be started by Mr. Alfred E. Haynes against the Town. The Supt. of Public Works stated that the Town should secure an easement across the land where the drain is to be installed from Hill Street and to abandon the old easement . The Town Engineer reported that he had not had time to make a study of the drainage on Mass. Avenue opposite Bowker St. He stated that a temporary job could be done of installing drainage to the Railroad which would cost approximately $200, but in order to do a good job it should he extended beyond the Railroad and probably would cost approximately $1500. However, he would present the figures at a later date. The Board did not take any action on the drainage matters until the Engineer presented the balance of the information next week. The Supt. of Public Works was requested to change Reed St. the location of the street sign on Reed Street at its sign. intersection with Bedford Street, so that it could be seen. Beacon It was reported to the Supt. of Public Works that struck the beacon at the corner of Marrett Road and Mass. Ave. 465 had been run intO and should be given attention. After discussing the decision made at the. last meeting regarding the Engineering Department and. after the members of the Board had been personally interviewed by Mr. J. Bruce Lewis, the Board voted to reverse their Engineering decision made at the meeting last Week, and to retain Mr. Lewis on the Department. The Assessing Department Dept.budget. will relieve the Engineering Dept. by taking on John OtConnor and William C. Paxton, Jr. for at least three weeks each and that will enable the Engineer to carry out the agreement with the School regarding some of his men. It was left with the Town Engineer to work out the details of the employment of the men and for what term. The Supt. of Public Works was requested to put some Old Belfry gravel on the sidewalk in front of the Old Belfry Club Club and some crushed stone on top. The sidewalks there are in sidewalk a very muddy condition. The following is the weekly report of the Supt. of Public Works : For the week ending March 21, 1931 HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT The condition of Wood Street required considerable gravel in order to fill place where trench had given way; surface patches made in other streets ; catch basins and streets cleaned; snow fence removed and stored. Next week necessary repairs and maintenance will be given attention. MOTH & SHADE TREE DEPT. Gypsy moth nests were treated with creosote in Wood Street, Shade Street, Spring Street, Hancock Street and Belfry Hill. Nert week this work will be continued. PARK DEPARTMENT The regular maintenance work has been attended to; apparatus overhauled and painted; and the truck has also been painted. Next week the department will attend to the regular maintenance. WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Installed water service for Alberto, Harding Road; installed water service for Calwell, Taft Avenue. Worked en break in new 12" main in Pleasant Street. Started connecting gap in main in Bertwell Road. Filled in holes around Public Works Building; filled in trench on Mass. Ave. near Bowker Street which had settled. Installed sewer service for Calwell on Taft Ave. Repaired break in trunk line sewer on Vine Brook Road. L 466 Regular maintenance work is planned for next week. l ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Highways Work on relocation of Lincoln Street. Drainage Survey and study plans made for following locations ;- 1. Junction Clarke and Forest Sts. 2. Mass. Ave. opp. Bowker Street. 3. Started survey of drainage conditions in the vicinity of Hill, Reed and Bedford Sta . Miscellaneous Wednesday and Thursday at court regarding building line over O'Connell property. Work on block plans . Continued work at Registry (43 plans have been. copied) . Work on streetntiimber_i.ng. plans. In, accordance with instructions, the laborers in the Highway and Water & Sewer Departments have been placed on half time. This cuts the forceso that we have only enough men to takek® care ofemergencies and the most necessary regular maintenance. Early in May we will probably be ready to place all the men at work. Friday, March 20th, it was discovered that there was k break in the trunk line sewer between Vine Brook Road and Mass. Avenue running along side of Vine Brook so that it was necessary to excavate and make repairs. Upon digging down to the pipe, we found that heavy stones which had been placed back in the trench at the time of construction had worked down onto the pipe with sufficient pressure against the pipe to break it, blocking the sewer and causing the sewerage to back up in some of the houses. After getting down to the sewer, thirteen cracked or broken three foot lengths were found, making thirty-nine feet of trunk line sewer that had to be replaced. I do not understand that any other damage was caused by this break. The pipe removed appears to be of rather poor quality. Early Saturday A. M. , March 21st, a report was received that the water pressure was low at some of the higher parts of the town and also an inquiry from the Dumping station. Upon investigating, a broken twelve inch water main in Pleasant Street was found. Fortunately the water could be shut off without depriving anyone of P � water by closing gates in Pleasant Street, the six inch pipe in Concord Avenue supplying Walnut Street with sufficient water for the time being. There seems to be no explanation for the break. 467 It occurred in a twelve foot length of the United States Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry Company?s pipe and is a longitudinal crack about six feet long. We have previously had several breaks in this lot of pipe which was purchased in 1928. The water running from the pipe softened the old trench so that an automobile ran into it and damaged the car to such an. extent that it had to be towed to a garage. The damage and other charges amount t3 approximately *50.00. Yours very truly, William S. Scamman Supt. of Public Works The meeting adjourned at 11:15 P.M. A true record, Attest : Clerk.