HomeMy WebLinkAbout1931-10-13 200 tgab
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
OCTOBEP 13, 1931.
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 7 :30 P.M.
Messrs. Trask, Custance, Blake, Shan non and Gilcreast were
present . The Supt . of Public Works and the Clerk were
also present.
Mr. William G. Potter came before the Board in reference
to the use of the ball field for the Minute-Boys for football.
He stated that the boys had arranged the schedule for the
games for the season not knowing that any other team intended
to request the use of the field. He stated that when they
have to 614)ply each week for the use of the field, it does
Use of not give them very much time, if they have to wait until
play- Thursday or Friday to know if they can have the field, to
ground make arrangements with another team.
for He stated that the Minute-Boys did not desire to
foot- monopolize the use of the playground, but they did feel
ball. that the preference should be given to them because of the
actions of the other team. He found that the team coached
by Mr. Gibbons was a private enterprize and they were borrowing
suits from the High School boys and they did not have
equipment of their own to carry on football games . He
consulted with Mr. Grindle and ound there was a rule in
the High School that they should not loan their equipment
and they would be barred from the team if they did so.
Mr. Grindle stated, however, that it was possible for the
boys to loan their suits inasmuch as they might take them
home on Friday night , if they were wet to dry them out and
they would have no way of tracing whether or not they were
used by someone else on Sunday.
The Board discussed with Mr. Potter whether or not
it would be possible to use the lower field and have
two games going on at once . He stated that the lower field
needJ goal posts, but that he did not believe it advisable
to have two games at once inasmuch as it necessitated more
police protection.
The Chairman felt the Minute-Boys were sponsored
by the Community Recreation Association and that they
have their equipment and should be given the preference
of the use of the playground, inasmuch as the sportsmanship
showed by the team that Mr. Gibbons promotes in borrowing
suits was not felt proper.
The Board therefor voted to adopt a rule that they
would only allow the use of the playground to teams who
are fully equipped to carry on the games such as football
and baseball without borrowing equipment from other sources .
Mr. Edward Wood, Chairman of the Cemetery Commissioners,
came before the Board to discuss matters in relation to his
department.
He asked whether or not in making driveways , the Cemetery
Department would have to pay for them. The Supt. of Public
Works informed him there had been no charge made for the
use of the steam roller, but a charge was made for the time
of the Highway Dept . men. The Board felt that this was
201
a just charge and should be paid by the Cemetery Departrutent.
Mr.. Scamman explained that they had only used the roller a
total of four days this year.
In regard to the snow removal in the cemetery, the
Board advised the Commissioner that the work would be done
out of the snow removal appropriation.
In regard to the recuest relative to the care of the Cemetery
trees, the Board informed him that they felt that the Department.
care of the trees in the cemetery should be charged to
the Cemetery Commissioners. The spraying of the trees , however,
would be done by the Moth Department . Mr. hood
ffelt that the trees in the cemetery should also be cared
for by the tree department inasmuch as this requires
considerable dost to the Cemetery Department.
The Engineering service rendered to the Cemetery
Dept has hot been charged to that Dept. , and the Board
felt that the Engineering Dept. should stand this expense.
The Board requested that the blacksmith at the Public
Works Building be used by them as much as possible for the
repairing of tools and whatever week of that nature they
had and the charge would only be made to them for the labor.
Mr. Wood called attention to the fact that they would
like to fill the lower part of the Catholic side of the
Cemetery inasmuch as the w-iter stands in there in the winter
time. It would require filling of at least another foot.
He felt that this should be done this year inasmuch as
they would have calls in the very near future for the use of
this section.
He stated that they have two permanent men during the
entire year employed and that in the summer they have as
many as five, making three extra. He dall.ed attention to
the cost of labor in mowing the Colonial Cemetery and the
Robbins Cemetery inasmuch as these places are hard to mow.
He also called attent` on to the care of the trees in
Elie Robbins Cemetery, and he stated that they had asked Miss
Ellen Stone to contribute to the care of the cemetery, but
she refused to do so. The Commissioners agreed to care for
this cemetery for the sum of $12 . a year, but it cost
considerable more to do the work.
He also stated that they desired to provide a fence
around the Colonial Cemetery and they felt that should be
done. Mr. Custance informed him that the Commissioners
should get a sketch of the proposed fence and an estimate
of the cost and then he felt that if it were presented to
the Town in an intelligent manner they could obtain the
appropriation.
Mr. Fred Joyce, Bngineer for Smith and Robbins , came
before the Board in reference to the Board of Survey lay
out of Tower Street recently approved by the selectmen.
The Chaifman explained that Mr. Millican was very much
disturbed because the lay out of the street would bring his
house so close to the street and the line of the street
would go across where his porch is now. The house is
located at the end of Plainfield Street, facing on the Board
of Survey lay out of Tower Street.
Mr. Joyce explained how the lay out was figured and
did not see how, through proper engineering, figuring the
lay out could be made any differently.
202
Plans showing the lay out of this property by Frank
P. Cutter were presented and after studying the matter, „�
the Board felt that 'w1r. Millican was a victim of circumstances
owing to the fact that he bought a house that was built
Tower in this location. The Board felt the house might have
Street. been built in violation of the Zoning Laws inasmuch as
it was not set back twenty feet. Supt. of Public Works
agreed to find out when the permit was issued. The
Chairman agreed to advise Mr. Millican of the conditions .
Delegation from Winter St-eet headed by Mr. Wentzel
came before the Board together with Mr. Warren S.
Griswold, 68 Lawrence St. , Malden, the man who developed
the property in this section.
The Town Engineer was also present and explained
that when Mr. Griswold had his plans before the Planning
Board previously for approval, that there was a question
of the grade on Winter Street. It was possible, however,
that the grade on this street could be taken c are of by
a cut and fill and put in condition for approval by the
Board of Survey. The Engineer's office has the topo-
graphical study of the section and from that can give the
grades to Mr. Griswold.
Mr. Wentzel explained that they desired to have
water to, the streets and that is their purpose in coming
before the Board to have things straightened out so that
Winter the water mains can be laid.
Street . The Board eaplaitddto them that they would have bb
pay the guaranty on the water extension.. They stated that
they desired to have the water extended in the following
streets : Winter Street, Hillcrest Street, Wright Street,
James Street, and Morris Street.
Mr. Benson stated that he would like to have the
water extended to his place, 300 feet in from Winter
Street on Marvin Street.
Mr. Griswold signed the application for the Board of
Survey approval of these streets and stated that he would
communicate with his engineer and have the necessary
plans drawn up for the approval of thh streets. The Board
requested him to inform them how soon they would be ready.
Application was received from Daniel J. O' Connell
for permission to move the building known as the Liscomb
Application property at 1542 Mass. Avenue to the trian*ular lot at the
to move junction of Woburn Street and Fletcher Avenue.
house. The Board decided to look at the house to see
whether or not in moving the same it would endanger any
of the trees and voted to lay the matter on the tkble
for one week.
Letter was received from Patrick J. Neary of
9 Bennett Avenue in which he called attetnion to the condition
at the corner of Bennett and Baker Avenues where he claimed
there was a bad place in the road, and vehicles turning
in at this corner were making the place larger. He felt
that it might cause someone to fall at night. He also
called attention to the fact that in front of 75
Baker Avenue where water pipes were lately installed, a
mound was left instead of putting the road in proper &hape
D)3
and the same condition occurs in front of another house
between Oak Street and Tucker Avenue.
He also called attention to the fact that the-e is Defect in
' need for a street light at Ames Avenue on siker Avenue. road, and
The Supt. of Public Works reported that the condition at need of
the corner of Bennett Ave. and Baker Avenue is not street light.
serious on either side of the turn. The street has been
roughened by traffic but is not dangerous . The-'e are
two places on the street which have been dug_ up by the
Water Dept. A11 of these places have been repaired with
bituminous patch material and are now in proper condition.
He recommnnded that a street light be placed at the Corner
of Ames and Baker Avenues .
The Board signed certificate of recommendation of the
character of Charles H. Rice who is a director of the Incorporations
New Entland Carnation Growers Association to be incorporated
in this State with a place of business at Bolton.
The Chairman called attention to the fact there
is need for an. electric light at the corner of Bertwell
Road and North Hancock Street. He stated that two of the
fire engineers drive out of their drives onto North
Hancock Street at this point and it is very dark and
dangerous. The light now is back on two poles on
Bertwell Road that tied e shotld he one placed at this
location.
The Board therefore voted to instruct the Supt. Street
of Public Works to place a street light at the corner of Lights
IIBertwell Road and North Hancock Street. 0
The Chairman reported that the Area Manager, F. W.
lhatcher, of the Shell Eastern Petroleum Prcdt . $a Inc.
called upon him today in reference to a letter he wrote
some tire ago to the company relative to the glosi.ng
hours of the station at the corner of Maple Street. Shell Gas.
The Chairman stated that . Mr. Roland' Baidrey station
complained when the station was kept open all ni•rht and closing
for this reason he wrote a letter to the company asking hours.
that they close earlier. They then closed. at twelve o ' clock,
and Mr. Baldrey again complained that they should go back
to eleven o' clock which was the original closing hour.
Mr. Thatcher requested that he be allowed to keep
open again in tie spring until 12 o' clock although they
now close at eleven and are willing to do. so. Mr. Trask
suggested that he come before the Board just prior to the
time when he desired to keep open until twelve, and a meeting
might be held at *latch time the residents of the vicinity
would be given an opportunity to express their views.
Mr. Thatcher stated he would be very glad to come
before the Board at that time.
Letter was received from Edward P. Merriam in which
he requested that Mr. George E. Pekins be appointed as
_ a Special Pnlice Officer inismuch as there have been Special
considerable pranks on his property and on the Oakland Police.
Street foot bridge which make him feel that it is necessary
to have this done . Mr. Pekins is in Mr. Merriam's employ.
The Board voted to appoint Mr. Pekins as a Special
Police offieer.
204 04
Alcohol Alcohol License was granted to the Shell Eastern
License. Petroleum Products Inc. to d^ business at 1095 Mass. ro
Avenue being the corner of Maple Street and Mass. ti°1
Ave.
Permit for an oveThanging sign was granted to D. F.
Overhang- Ross provided he provides the necessary insurance called
ing sign. for under the regulations .
Auctioneer's Auctioneer's License was granted to Arthur F. McLearn
License. 1387 Mass. Ave.
Regulations regarding oil burners were received from
the Fire Prevention Commissioners office.
These regulations require that a hearing be held
before the Selectmen for a license to be granted by them
for the keeping and storage of oil in connection with
burners in any building or structure, and a permit must
also be obtained from the head of the Fire Department.
Oil Burner The Clerk obtained information from the Selectmen's
Regulations. Office of the Town of Arlington that the Fire Chief's
Association went before the Fire Prevention Commissioner
and protested these regulations as far as placing the
matter before the Selectmen was concerned. They claimed
that it not only inconvenienced the party asking for
the burner to wait for a hearing, but it caused them
additional ,expense and also placed the burden on the
Selectmen . They advised him that they saw nal reason why
the Chiefs of Fire Departments should not issue the permits
for fuel oil burners as they have in the past without a
hearing, and that they intended to do so. The Selectmen
act only upon installations in public buildings . This was
to be done in other towns and it was felt in Arlington that
the regulations of the Fire Preventi n Commission would
probably be changed in this respect.
The Board decided not to take any action under the
regulations.
Letter was received from J. J. Mulhern of 18 Tremont
Street, Boston in which he enclosed a copy of a letter
which he directed to Governor Ely relative to the excessive
Public electric, gas and telephone gates and asked that these
Utility subjects be given consideration by the special session of
' rates . the Legislature now being held to consider the problem
of automobile insurance.
Mr. Burnham informed the Clerk tl'at he had talked
with several representatives and they felt that this was
a matter that should be held off until the regular session
of the Legislature. The Chairman stated that he a190
felt the matter should be held off, and no action was taken.
Mass. Ave . Notice was received from the State Dept. of Public
Construction.Works in which they stated they_ approved of the construction
work done on Mass. Avenue from Lake Street to Lincoln St.
The Clerk presented information obtained from the
Division of Standards^.at' ther'StateJHouse in regard to
licenses for hawkers and peddlers .
6.
205
They stated that the State handles the licenses hut
they bitty have the authority to grant the licenses except
when the local by-laws call for a license to be' granted
for the sale of fruits, vegetables , fish, meat and cheese.
They stated that the plates are provided by them for the
trucks and $1. is kept for the license fee and the Town
gets its share of the fee granted for Lexington residents.
County licenses for Middlesex County cost $11. and is only
granted where the party manufactures what he sells . AAlocal
license cost $17. two dollars being retained by the Hawkers
State and $15. sent to the Town. They felt that the and
matter being handled by them was of less bother to the Peddlers .
Selectmen and recommended that the Board allow it to
continue in the way it is now being handled, inasmuch
as they provide ill the clerical work and turn the money
over to the Town.
The object of the Board was to reduce the number of
persons peddling various kinds of things in the Town . It
appears, however, that as far as granting a State License,
the Town has no authority in the matter.
Letter was received from the Sipt . of Public Works
in which ha enclosed a letter from the Lexington (las Co.
in which they asked for permission to excavate in Prospect
Hill Road for the purpose of constructing a gas main.
Supt. recommended that they be allowed to install Permit for
the gas main inasmuch as it would not disturb the bituminous gas main
surface. The Board voted to instruct the Supt. to issue
the permit.
Mr. Blake reported that he talked with Mr. F. L. Emery
in reference to his objection to the Town Seal being
changed, and Mr. Emery informed him that he thought
the Seal was taken from the John Hancock Statue which ia T(wn Seal.
now in the Cary Memorial Building. He also informed him Sl
al.
he would try to present to him some of the earlier
cuts of the seal that he considered better than what is
now being used.
Mr. Custance reported having attended the meeting
at the County Commissioners office on Octobe'' 8th and Meeting
requested funds for the construction of Wood Street and,
Lincoln Street.
He also informed the Board that Mr. Charles W. Ryder
and Robert L. Ryder were before the County Commissioners
in reference to a street to be laid out from Lexington,
cutting across their land into Belmont. They were urging
that there was need for this short cut for persons travelling
to Boston.
Letter was received from F. L. Eatery in which he
enclosed two photographs taken of Hastings Nark, one
showing the park as it is and another showing sketched in
some low shrubs . He felt that if some shrubs were placed Hastings
on Hastings Park, they would greatly improve the looks Park.
of the Park.
The Board discussed the matter, and felt that some
1 nddsca architect should give the matter some
study.-P r. dwarB. Ballard of Raymond Street was
004 lob
suggested. Mr. Custance suggested Mr. Kellaway. The
photographs were given to Mr. Gilcreast to take up with 0.1
Mr. Kellaway and get his opinion on the suggestion made.
The matter of old age assistance application of Jennie
Grant Hoyt which was laid on the table last week was again a
taken up.
The Clerk reported having inquired what Mrs. Hoyt ' s
Hoyt, Old Son-in-law id for a living, and found that he was a
Age beef salesman for Wilson Brothers . Mr. Gilcreast stated
Assistance. that he had found that Mr. Freeman was obtaining $75.
per week salary.
It was decided to lay this application on the table
for the present. 1
Applicatirn for St to Aid of Mrs . Martha C. Kimball,
State Aird. 21 Forest Street was signed by the Board. It was decided
to recommend $25. per month State Aid.
O'Connell, The application of John g. O'Connell, 5 Hibbert
Old Age Street, for Old Age Assistance was referred to Mr.
Assistance . Gilcreast for his attention.
Mr. Gilcreast stated that he had been unable to
get the appointment of an administrator for the estate
Fogg of the wife of Frank A. Fogg, Grant Street. However,
estate. the Court would convene again tomorrow andhe would see
what could be done about it.
Mr. Custance reported in regard to traffic signs at
II
the corner of Concord Ave. and Waltham Street, the corner
of Pleasant St. , and. Mass . Ave. , Odd the corner of Revere
Traffic St. , Hill St. and Bedford Street.
signs. Mr. Scamman stated that an engineer, representing
the State Dept. , stated that he doubted if the Dent. would
permit a stop sign to be placed at Pleasant Street and
Mass . Ave . owing to the clear vision. In regard to the
corner of Waltham St. and Concord Ave , he admitted that
it is a serious situation and that something should, be
done and if we will have reports of the accidents at this
•
location and ask them to make a time test and count they
will do so for one hour some .time between four and six
o'clock.
In regard to the junction of Hill and Revere Streets
coming out onto Bedford Street, he thought that it woult1
be well to put a stop sign there. To have this done, we
have to get a sketch of the accidents there.
Three separate applications have to be made if the
Board desires to have signs put up on Bedford, Hill, and
Revere Sts " Pleasant Street, and Concord Avenue.
Mr. Custance reported having seen accidents at Pleasant
Street and at Hill and Revere Street recently.
After considering the matter, the Board voted to
proceed to obtain the necessary information to have traffic
signs at the corner of Concord Avenue and Waltham Street.
The Supt. of Public Works was requested to look after
the matter.
207
Mr. Custance presented the appraisal of the Town
property revised by the Industrial Appraisal Company
together with their bill of $65.50. Mr. Custance was
authorized to expend $100. for this appraisal, but
having furnished considerable of the information to the
.company, that much as not expended. Appraisal.
Mr. Custance presented the figures of new valuations
prepared by the appraisal company to be used on the
schedule for insurance of the Town. Mr. Custance
explained that it was interesting to ntte the #remeidous
cost that the High School has been owing to the fact
that the sprinkler system was not installed in the school
when the addition was put on. Almost one-half the total
premium of insurance paid by the Town is paid for
protection of this building. The attention of the
Committee was called to this at the time, but no effort
was made to remedy the- condition.
Mr. Custance stated.. that he made some changes in the
appraisal such as he reduced the Old Adams School from
13,000 to $11,000; the Village Hall from $14,000. to
12,000; Alms hose stable and shed from $4000 to $3500;
the small stable at the Alms house from $400 to $300;
brick locker building on the playground from $3000 to $2000.
The difference on the schedule already carried which
is $1,624,925 and what is to be added to the schedule,
$235,675. is left to be placed among various agents. Mr.
Custance presented the schedule dividing the insurance
among the various agents . This schedule was revised and
is as follows :
Policies to Expire in 1936.
Hubert D. Broderic $10,000.00
George H. Gibson 5,000.00
Jasper A. Lane 5,000.00
Samuel L. Fardy, Jr. 4,925. to go to W.H.Ballard in December, 1931.
Neil McIntosh 5,000.00
Robert S. Sturtevant 10,000.00
Joseph Swan 10,000.00
George W. Taylor & Son 10,000.00
Robert Whitney 5,000.00
John S. Valentine 5,000.00
Charles A. Peavy 5,000.00
W.V.T. Hinckley 5,000.00
W. Benjamin C. Meady 5,000.00
Leslie A. Bull 5,000.00
Har^y E. Stone 20,000.00
$105,000.00
PKicies to expire in 1933.
Elmer A. Lord & Co. 35,000.00
A.A. Marshall & Son 25,000.00
Charles H. Schofield & Co. 25,675.00
Richard Whittemore 15,000.00
Edwin B. Worthen 30,000.00
$130,675.00
Total $235,675.00
208
Mr. Custance agreed to present the schedule divided
into the years so that the additions would not all come kam
in one year.
The Chairman signed the petition for the N.E. Insur-
ance Exchange for establishing of a rate of the building9.
Mr. Seaman stated that Mr. George Nary was leaving
Town and would therefor have to be replaced by another
person on the Appropriation Committee.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 P.M.
A true record, attest:
J
Clerk.
The Board signed notice of in nticn to laycut of Tucker
Ave. from Cervi%le Ave.
The Board signed notice of intention to liy ut Independ-
ence Ave. Locust Ave to bmith Ave.
The m •e ting adjcurned at 11 15 P.M.
1
1