HomeMy WebLinkAbout1931-09-08SEL�C`i'MENI S MEETING
SEPTEMBER 81 1331.
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
at the SelectmenTs Room, Tow4 Office Building, at 7:30 P.M.
Messrs, Trask, Custance, Blake.,_ Shannon and G ilcreast were
present. The,Supt. of Public Works and the Clerk were also
present.
The Board signed the license of Robert L. Innis to Golf
operate a golf driving range at the Marrett Gardens seven License.
more Sundays.
Byron A. Russell, blacksmith, living at 927 Mass, Ave. Juror.
was drawn as a juror.
The Town Engineer came before the Board and presented
figures of the cost of constructing Smith Avenue and
Crescent Hill Avenue. The matter of drainage on Smith A'veizue Construc
was also discussed. tion
The figures given by the Town Engineer are as follows: figures.
Crescent Hill Ave. 3453.
Smith Avenue 45700
The Town Engineer agreed to get the figures in shape
for the abuttors to sign.
' The Town Engineer discussed with the Board the question
of maintaining his department for the balance of the year.
He stated that he would have to let two of his men go in Town
about two weeks time; also that it would cost about $625. Engineer
to carry on his department with these two men for the rze appro-
balance of the year. priation.
The Board discussed whether or not they would ask for
an additional appropriation at the Town Meeting to carry
this department on, but decided hot -to do so.
HeAring was declared open on the application of
Sidney A. Morash of Robbins Road for permission to maintain
a one car wooden garage on the premises at lot #12 Robbing
Rd*, Lexington.
The architect for Mr. Morash appeared at the hearing.
No persons appeared against the application and it was
voted to grant the permit.
Mr. Custanee reported having attended the meeting
at Somerville City Hall on insurance rates. He stated that
several of the Mayors of the cities and towns around were
present at this meeti::g and the final opinion was that the
insurance rates are not running along in the proper manner
and that there could be some improvement made, They
therefor passed the following resolution:
' At a meeting held at the Aldermanic Chamber of the
City of Somerville., the Federation of Municipalities, with
Mayor John .1Murphy presiding, registered itself as being
opposed to the _present Compulsory Insurance Law in the
present form and that definite ways and means be taken to
Morash
hearing.
Insurance
rate
meeting.
1.66
to
either amend or repeal the same.
Notice of a meeting to be held at Room 49, City Hall,
Insurance
Boston, on Wednesday,. Sept. 9th at 11:30 A.M. on insurance
rates.
rates was received from Samuel Silverman Corp Councel, City
of Boston.
The Chairman reported that some time ago when the
subject of vaccine treatment Cor the dog bite of dog
owned by Russell I. Prentiss was brought up by Mr. Prentiss, it
Vaccine
was found that vaccine could be purchased through the
Treatments.
Board of Health, at a much more reasonable rate than the doctors
could obtain it for.
The Clerk secured information from Cambridge that they
purchase the vaccine from Parke -Davis at the rate of
012.50 for a 14 dose treatment. The vaccine is ordered
by the Board of Health and delivered directly to the patient
to be administered by their own physician if they see fit.
If the person can pay for the vaccine it is billed to
they. If they cannot pay, the Town pays the bill and
notifies the place of settlement similar to the manner in
which other contagious cases are handled.;
The matter is handled in a.similar Ymapner in the
Town of Arlington, except that they purchase it for $17.50.
The I3oard decided to notify the physicians in Town that
they w ere ready to purchase the vaccine for them under the
same circumstances as other towns handle it.
State
The State Aid returns for the months of July and
August by the Board.
'
Aid.
were signed
The Clerk reported that the Town Counsel advised
holding up abatement of sewer assessment against the Town
Abatement,
of Arlington until it is decided whether or not the Town
Town of
of Arlington is suing for damages. It might be possible
Arlington.
that the suit for damages might be -waived if this abatement .
is given and they understood that it is to be given under
the circumstances.
Notice was received from the Commissioner of Public
Safety giving dotes of various fairs at which police tele -
Invitation.
typewriters and rad$o broadcasting systems Will be demon-
strated by actual operation, and police news transmitted, and
inviting the Board to visit the exhibits.
The Board felt that there might be some other place
where they might see a teletypewriter demonstrated.
Parking
The following Parking Regulations were adopted by the
Regulations.
Board amending the retulations adopted under date of
July 7, 1931:
Acting under the provisions of Chapter 40, section 22
of the General Laws, the Traffic Regulations adopted by the
Board of Selectmen under date of July 7, 1931 be and
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hereby are amended as follows:
HANCOCK STREET
No narking on the west side from Bedford Street to the
Boston &'-Maine Railroad Crossing and between Hancock Avenue
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167.
and a point 200 feet south of Hayes Avenue.
ELM AVENUE
No parking on either side between Bedford Street and Hancock Street.
MERIAM STREET
No parking on either side between the Boston and Maine Railroad
crossing and Massachusetts Avenue.
Robert P. Trask
Theodore A. Custance Board
Hallie C. Blake of
Clarence Shannon Selectmen.
John E. Gilcreast
Letter was receivedfrom the Town Counsel in which
he stated that he had received word that Edward Shea of
Cedar Street was sane.
Mr. Russell I. Prentiss came before the Board and Edward Shea,
state-' that the Town Counsel had informed him that there
were two Edward Sheas at the hospital at Westboro and the
one placed there by the Town of Lexington is insane.
Mr. Prentiss discussed with the Board the fact that
the American Legion should have one large room to store American
things in. It was understood that .some of the members of the Legion.
Legion do not feel that it is the proper time to ask for
an appropriation for the Legion and for the quarters owned
by George E. Smith.
Letter was received from the Town Counsel in regard
to the Frost property on Bedford Street. He stated that
he had received someinformation from the Board of Assessors Frost
that would enable him to compute the tax and interest from property.
the date of the tax sale in 1917. He submitted these
figures.to Frost's attorney. He had also written to
Mr. Edward Wood, Chairman of the Cemetery Commissioners, asking
if any compromise with Frost could be made Wherbby
the Town would keep part of the land and let him have
part of the land. He stated that the Land Court would.
probably let Frost redeem on the payment of back taxes
and the expenses of foreclosure.
He recommended that unless some changed condition
comes up that the article be,not inserted in the Warrant.
Mr. Custance attended the hearing at the County
Commissioners Office on Sept. 4th, and made a written
report which was acceptedby the Board.
Mr. Custance offered the following report on Wood Street.
WOOD STREET
Mr. Custance presented the plan of the town on
which was designated Wood Street and the proposed route of
the layout of a street around the Cambridge Water Basin. He _.
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urged that the County contribute. toward the construction
of Wood Street and showed this route of connecting Waltham
and Weston by the Cambridge Water Basin, showing that the
traffic could be diverted'off Bedford Street in this manner.
He stated that on Bedford Street there are between twelve
and fourteen hundred cars passing in an hour and he believed
in the future that a route would have to be made to carry
this traffic away from Bedford Street and that the route
of Wood Street around the Cambridge Water Basin would be
one way of carrying the traffic off.
He also called attention to the fact that the Planning
Board and the State are now studying the layout of the street
which will go across lands to the right of Bedford Street
and come out on Bedford Street near Westview Street, starting
somewhere in the vicinity of Summer Street Extension, and
felt that the town should be looking ahead and laying out
these highways. At first it was thought that the damages
would cost 60,000., now a new layout is being considered,
and the damages will be about $40,000. less.
Hhecalled attention to the fact that Mr. Kendall
was interested in having a layout of Concord Avenue made,
and he felt that this was very good judgment inasmuch as
at the present time on this street, there is being built
a $40,000. house, and he felt that this showed,the trend
of development of Lexington.
Mr. Custanee_also called attention to the study
of the street crossing territory in Belmont coming out
somewhere in the vicinity of Bowman Street, which would
be a layout to divert traffic.
He called attention to the fact that when the decree
is issued on Lincoln Street the Board will probably ask for
the relocation of Lincoln Street from that point to the
Lincoln line.
He stated that the State had signified a willingness
on the project of building Wood Street, and he felt that the
County should cooperate.
He felt that all of the layouts he mentioned should
be studied with a view to making layouts in the future.
* HEARING - BOW STREET RELOCATION
Hearing Before the County Commissioners on Bow Street
Relocation.
Mr. Custan ce presented the plan showing the location
of Bow Street and stated that this street has been a thirty
(30) foot roadway and it was proposed to 'make it a forty
(40) foot roadway.
The Board has adjusted the matter of damages with Mr.
Viano the owner of property who is affected by this relocation,
and Mr. Viano has agreed to the adjustment.
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The question of signals at Bow Street has been considered
with the Boston and Maine Railroad Company as far back as 1925.
Several conferences were held with that company and they were
ready to install the signals in 1928. The Board did nbt have
the appropiration to do the construction work at that time.
It was estimated at the time that it would cost about $800.00
to change over the crossing at the railroad track. The Selectmen
agreed to pay one-half the dost.
Mr. John B. Sawyer, attorney for the Boston and Maine
Railroad Company stated that the estimate of $800.00 has been
refigured and it will now cost around $340.00 for signals and track
work.
The matter of discussion of the signals the County
Commissioners stated that they would leave to Mr. Custance
and Mr. Sawyer. There was no objection to the layout.
After the hearing Mr. Custance had a conference with
Mr. Sawyer of the Boston and Maine Railroad Company and
Mr. Shepherd, Consulting Engineer, in regard to the work
and they agredd that the town should do the macadam on the
crossing which would amount to about one-half the cost of
the estimate of $340.00 made by the Boston and Maine
Railroad. Company.
In changing over the crossing they stated that Mr. Custance
requested that one track be left. They stated that for several
reasons they did not desire to remove the track at
this time. They felt, however, that the macadam could be put
right up to the tracks'so that it would not be an objectionable
crossing.
In regard to the signals Mr. Sawyer stated that since
the depression the company have not desired to spend an money
where they could possibly get along without doing it. Ke stated
that they would at this crossing either move the bell signal
that they have at present or put in a flsahing signal. He felt,
however, that the signal was a separate proposition.
Mr. Custance presented to Mr. Sawyer correspondence which
he had with Mr. Keay of the Boston and Maine Railroad showing
wherein they agreed to put in signals, and also where the Town
had given permission to put in signals at Woburn St., Meriam St.,
Hancock St., and Fletcher Ave.
Mr. Shepherd agreed to make -a report to Mr. Sawyer
giving his recommendations as to whether they will
approve the present signal or put in a flashing signal at
the present tine:.. Any cost in connection with the signals
will be at their expense. The town will take care of the
paving under the direction of Mr. Shugrue, Traffic Engineer,
Mr. Sawyer agreed to send a letter to Mr. Custance at an
' early date.
Mr. Custance stated that he desired -to start the work
on Bow Street next week if possible.
LINCOLN STREET
Mr. Kendall stated that he expected Mr. Edgar F.
1?Q
Scheibe to come in to talk about damages on Lincoln Street.
He stated -that approximately 55,000 feet of land was to be,
taken from Mr. Scheibe.
'Thp.question as to what was to be done with the '
Blot of land betden the new road and the old road was to
be considered. r. Custancd felt that the Town could work
this out satisfactorily.
Mr. Custance informed Mr. Kendall that the Board
decided on an award of $200.00 damages to Mr. Scheibe.
In regard to Lincoln Street, Mr. Custance explained
that Mr. Kendall expected Mr. Scheibe to come in to talk
Lincoln about damages. Mr. Scheibe will lose approximately .
St, 55,OOQ feet of land. Question arose as to what was to
become of the plot of land between the new and the old
road. Mr. Custance informed Mr. Kendall that the Board
voted to award Mr. Scheibe $200. damages and if there
were any questions about the damages, he felt this could
be settled.
Mr. Custance further reported that since the hearing
he has been advised by Mr. Kendall that Mr. Scheibe
requested that the matter be referred to the Planning Board.
The.Board is anxious to get a definite status for
Lincoln Street and the. Chairman agreed to write to the
County Commissioners asking for the issuance of a decree
at an early date so that they may know what to do at the
Town Meeting in regard to this street. ,
In connection with Bow Street, Mr. Custance stated.
that Mrs,. James 1twin.was ready to do the additional
work desired by Mr. Viano for $20. more, the total cost to
be $145.
The Board decided to request the Town Engineer to
get a description of the land taken from Mr. Viano so that
Bow Street. the deed may be dram up.Mr. Viano has agreed to allow
the Town to go ahead and do the construction•work, but it
was thought best to obtain the deed first before starting
the work. The Board, therefore, voted to start the 'cons-
truction work on the building when the deed is received,
and also to remove the two trees which will be within the
property taken.
The Board voted to install a twelve inch water pipe
from Mass. Avenue across the railroad tracks a distance of
about 300 feet in Bow Street. `
mation of the agreement made at the County
Commissioners office with John. B. Sawyer, Attorney for the
Boston and Maine Railroad vasireceived by the Board.
Application was received from Mrs. Margaret M.
McKenzie of Hayes Lane for Soldiers Relief while her son '
James is in the Chelsea Naval Hospital. He has been
in the hospital. since March 14th and during that time
she has not received any assistance.
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Mrs. McKenzie's brother-in-law is not supposed to remain
at her home very much longer, and she is now
receiving $15. a week from her son when he works full time
on the Water Department. If he does not work dull time Soldiers
she does not receive that much money. Relief.
The Board vtsted to grant Mrs. McKenzie $5. a week
Soldier's Relief. '
Mr. Custance reported that he went over the proposed
widening of Lowell and North Streets with Mr.-JWder, and
Mr. Ryder desired to have the work done further up North Lowell &
Street than was planned to go. However, he was agreeable North Sts.
th what the'Board stated they would do, and the Supt. of
Public Works was requested to have the work done in the
near future. Mr, Custance stated.that there has been
considerable traffic on the street.
Mr. Custance reported that the plan of°relotting
of Colonial Heights was now ready and that the owners all Colonial
seemed to be agreeable to the changes made except Mrs. Heights,
J. W. Denney and the Town Engineer was to communicate with
her.
It was planned to hold an informal meeting in two
weeks giving the owners of the property an•'opportunity
to view the plans.
Mr. Custance presented a form of agreement for the
owners of land on Colonial Heights to sign in connection
with the exchange of land. This form of agreement is to
' be presented to the owners at the informal meeting to be
held:
The Board decided that if the County Commissioners
would not contribute to the rebuilding of Wood Street
that they would insert an article in the Warrant requesting
that the vote, be relieved df the condition that the money
be spent in conjunction with the State and County. .
Attention was called to the fact that the telephone
company had cut un the new section of Mass. Avenue near
Independence Avenud, Mr. Custance called attention to the
fact that before this highway was built, all the public Opening of
utilities were notified that they would not be given a per- streets.
mit to open the street.
The Board voted that whenever applications were
received for street openings of streets of new construction
that the Supt. of Public Works bring the matter before the
Board before granting permission..
The Board decided that they would not spend any Trade Show,
money at this time to have a booth at the Trade Show.
Letter was received from the Supt. of Public Works
' in which he stated that he communicated witht.the various
parties who owed highway betterments but that all he had
heard from was Pichette & Ahern who agreed to take care
of the bill.
Mr. Scamman brought in bills for claims for broken
springs caused by depressions in the highway from the
172
Mr. Custance called attention to a man by the nam&
of Frank E. Greeni Shade Street, who had been superintendent
Following:
of a mill .for a housing company. The mill has closed down
F. -D. Mead `.
$4.60
Superintend--
R. C. Savoye
7.25
ent.
afraid of losing if he does not get something1to do. He
John Hendricks
8.00
is the type of.man that could be put over a gang of men
He also brought in bills caused by persons having
to be the Water Dept. trench Wood Street.
'
pulled out of
on
'
The Board felt that the bills
were justified, and voted
to the Jenney filling st-tion at the corner of Waltham
to approve these bills. They
were as follows:
Street and Barrett Road and discussed whether or`not `
Daniel G. Lacey
$5.00
Bills for
Frank Pfeffer
5.00
damages.
Marie M4guire
5.00
The Supt, of Public Works attention was called
George Q. WrIght
3.00
List of suggested appropriations for 1932 was viewed
by the Board and after some corrections were made', it was
1932 decided to hand the appropriations over to the A
ppropriatiQn:=
Appropri Committee so that they may have something to study for
ations, the 1932 budget, these appropriations to be subject to
changes.by the Board.
Mr. Custance called attention to a man by the nam&
of Frank E. Greeni Shade Street, who had been superintendent
of a mill .for a housing company. The mill has closed down
and it has been impossible for the man to locate anywhere.
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Superintend--
Tie is years old -and has purchased a house which he is
ent.
afraid of losing if he does not get something1to do. He
is the type of.man that could be put over a gang of men
if we have considerable welfare work to be done this winter.
The Board considered'the matter of having "a
'
:aidewe.lk' frt Robert Fawcett's house on Marrett Road
to the Jenney filling st-tion at the corner of Waltham
Work for
Street and Barrett Road and discussed whether or`not `
Welfare
the men working on the Welfare Dept. could do
mon,
this work.
The Supt, of Public Works attention was called
to the fact that he promisedito put in two steps at
Converse Hill's house at 2101 Mass. Ave.
The Chairman reported that -he intended tohave
all of the men who were employed in the Water,_Sewer,
and Highway Departments during the year register on a new
Employment.
"employment blank. This blank included the information as
to whether or not they owned an automobile and the status
of their property. He desired to get all the information
necessary before the Town Meeting so that when the
appropriation for the Welfare Dept. is requested'he will
have the information on hand.
It was stated that'there was considerable work to
Brush.
be done in the way of cutting brush along the highways.
It was voted to request the Town Engineer to
Deeds,
prepare deeds for the widening of the corner at Marrett
'
Road and Lincoln Street on the property owned by Mr.
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Sarano and also to prepare the deed For land along the
Miller property.;opposite, and 94 the corner; also the
deed of the land of Mr. Hallie C. Blake.;. and of a dried
giving to Enos Harrington land at the corner of Winthrop
Road and Vine Brook Road.
Attention of the Supt. of Public Works was called to
t e fact that there were two white birches on,the Park
Trees.
Road`near 'the third base on the ball field that thould
be taken. down.
Letter was'pecoived from Mrs. Willard B. Brown in
which she expressed her appreciation of the attention
to the street in front of her house at 29 Meriam Street.
Letter of
ghe congratulated the Board for their interest in im-
appr-tc:kation.
proving the beauty of the Town.
The 'weekly report of the Supt. of Public Works was
received.
The meeting adjourned at 12 otclock.
A true r000rd, Attest:
Clerk.
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