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Home My WebLink About1931-11-17SELECTMEW S MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 1931. A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectments Room,_Town Office Building, at 7:30 P:4, M. Messrs. Trask, Blake, Custance, Shannon En d Gilcreast were present. TQe Supt. of Public Works and.the Clerk were also present. Mr. James Stuart Smith, Mr. Frank Love, M. G. H. G. Green, Mr. James T. Cole and Mr. Edward Kimball came before the Board in reference to the layout of lots at the Tyler property, corner of Percy Rd. and Mass. Ave. The lots all had a frontage of 75 feet and a 100 foot depth, thereby complying with the Zoning Laws, but the residents of that section felt that this property would be cut up too much by dividing the land up into six lots. Tyler They felt that three or four lots would be much better property. for this property. The plan showing the house intended to be built on one of the lots showed a house valued at $189000: The gentlemen requested that something be done about this layout to endeavor to persuade the owner to cut it up into larger lots. Mr. Custance agreed to take the matter up with the Planning Board. Mr. Harry L. Coolidge came before the Board applying for Soldiers Relief for his son, Roscoe Cooldige, The Board questioned Mr. Coolidge as to how long the boy had been working and found that he had worked all summer since ab6ut the first of June to the first of Soldiers October, at the rate of 20. per week, and he had been Relief, working the past three weeks for the Lexington Gas Company, Coolidge. He explained that the boy needed cothing and paying his board had taken all his money and he had not been able to - save any. Inasmuch as the boy had been working up to last Saturday, the Board informed Mr. Coolidge that he should not apply for aid as soon as this and that he should take at least a week to endeavor to get some work. Mr. Coolidge also stated that his boy was in the hospital last winter and did not work. The Board called attention to the fact that he did not have to pay for his care while in the hospital.. The Board appointed the -following three men as Special, Police officers: Frank Peters,, John Ford and George A. Knight. Special All of these men are employed by the Middlesex County Police Tuberculosis Sanatorium and were appointed at the request of Dr. Refnick. Town Counsel, S. R. Wrightington, came before the Board to discuss drainage matters in connection with the Highland article in the Warrant to install a drain in Highland Avenue. Avenue He stated that he did not believe this article covered the drain. drain to be installed, inasmuch as the drain would be" installed in private land m d not in Highland Avenue. He stated that from information he ha _on hand he was not quite sure as to the liability of the Town to put in any drainage. However, further information is to be furnished. to Mr. Wrightington so he could pass upon the matter before the Town Meeting. Request was received from Salvatore Trani for a ta street light to be installed at the corner of Haskell Street and Summer Street. This matter was referred to the Supt. of Public Works . for a reply. Letter was received from Francis Burke in which he stated that Mary A. and Joseph S. Ferry were willing to accept $700. for a compromise for the damage done to their property and themselves on October 19th when a piece of wood went into the tyre roof from the blasting operation carried on by the Sewer Department, The Board _decided to refer the matter to the Town Counsel for his attention, and reports of the various persons heluing leen ;th±e accident and knowing the conditions were forwarded to the Town Counsel. Letter was received from F. L. Lmery in connection with the Vine Brook Drainage. He stated that they intended to proceed further with Mr. Raymond to procure information from him that would be paid for out of the Planning Board appropriation. He stated also that the Town Et*trceer informed him that he would be ready after the first of the year to work on the Vine Brook Drainage matter and clean up the lower sections. Mr. Emery desired to know whether or nbt the Town would approve of this work being done. The Board was very much pleased that Mr. Emery showed an interest in this matter and, requested the Chairman to reply that the Board would be willing to cooperate. Request was received from the E. E. L. Co. fpr permission to install a pole on Massl Avenue opposite Follen Road and Pleasant Street. The Supt. of Public Works informed the Board, that he felt it was not necessary to locate a pole at this loc-cation inasmuch as there was no curbing on this'side of the road and it would cause additional accidents in this locality. Also, he felt they could make arrangements for their transmission lines in another manner. Request was received from the E. E. I. Co. and the N.E. Tel. & Tel.'Co. for permission to set one pole on Berwick Road. The Board voted to grant this permit. It was reported that the Bow Street appropriation was overrunning so that the check for the deed to Mr. Viano could not be mailed to him. At the present time they are $29. short in this account. Supt. of Public Works reported having bills on hand to be paid from this account in the amount of $155.80. Tt was decided to request the Appropriation Committee for sufficient funds to transfer to this account s0 that the bill of $320. to Mr. Frank E. Viano can be , paid. The Board decided to acknowledge receipt of her complaint and stated that they would confer with Mr. Ballard. Notice was received of a meeting' -at the office of the the Metropolitan Planning Division on November 18, it 3;30 PM. Meet - relative to various proposed.highwayq. ing re Mr. Custance and Mr. Gilcreast agreed to attend the proposed meeting. 'It was also decided to request the Planning Board high - to attend the meeting. ways. Request was receivedffrom Elwyn P. Bonney, 34 Charles Street, Auburndale, for the extension of 180 feet of water main in 'Sttnnds Road. Mr. Ross reported that it would cost about $500. for this extension. The Board voted to make this extension provided all Water the ddtails of signing.; the guarantee were carried out Extension. satisfactorily. 243 Letter was received from William Phillips, Chairman of Chairmaned by Mr. Nathan Bidwell, the other members being the Mass. Emergency Committee on Unemployment, Room 364, Mr. Chas. E. Ferguson, Mr. Edmund Webb, Mr. Fred Longbottom, State House, Boston, relative to the National Motion Picture came before the Board to discuss the matters pertaining week for local unemployment relief. They stated that the to the revision of the Building Laws. Motion Picture Industry, in connection with the President's Unemploy- Organization for Unemployment Relief has arranged for a ment benefit performance in all motion picture theatres between Relief. Nov. 18th and Nov. 25th, the proceeds to go to local unemploy- ment relief. The Board referred the matter to the Chairman to take up with the local theatre. Letter was received from Julia A. Syer in which she made her complaint relative to piggeries more specific to the fact that she was not certain of the origin of the Complaint odors, but they appeared to eminate from the piggery owned re Ballard by Ernest Ballard. piggery. The Board decided to acknowledge receipt of her complaint and stated that they would confer with Mr. Ballard. Notice was received of a meeting' -at the office of the the Metropolitan Planning Division on November 18, it 3;30 PM. Meet - relative to various proposed.highwayq. ing re Mr. Custance and Mr. Gilcreast agreed to attend the proposed meeting. 'It was also decided to request the Planning Board high - to attend the meeting. ways. Request was receivedffrom Elwyn P. Bonney, 34 Charles Street, Auburndale, for the extension of 180 feet of water main in 'Sttnnds Road. Mr. Ross reported that it would cost about $500. for this extension. The Board voted to make this extension provided all Water the ddtails of signing.; the guarantee were carried out Extension. satisfactorily. Building Laws. Outlets for electric and gas stones were also discussed. Mr.. Custance suggested that the Committee get ideas from Other towns as to whether or not they required an outlet The Committee on, elle Re0sion of Building Laws, Chairmaned by Mr. Nathan Bidwell, the other members being Mr. Chas. E. Ferguson, Mr. Edmund Webb, Mr. Fred Longbottom, came before the Board to discuss the matters pertaining to the revision of the Building Laws. Mr. Bidwell stated that they intended to have a public hearing when they were ready with their amendments and changes in the Building LaWV and at the public hearing . persons so desiring could give their views on the changes proposed. The Board informed them that they would be glad to advertise the public hearing for them when they get readya The Board advised also that they notify all the carpenters and plumbers in the Town of the hearing; so they may have ample opportunity to aopear and give their views. They discussed the erection of metal buildings in business locations such as the metal building erected ' next to the Seligman block and many of the roadside stands that are located on business corners. The Board saw no objection to curtailing buildings of this kind in public locations. Building Laws. Outlets for electric and gas stones were also discussed. Mr.. Custance suggested that the Committee get ideas from Other towns as to whether or not they required an outlet for electric and gas stoves. He ,felt that inasmuch as elec* tricity is being used more and more for stoves, and now that electric stoves were considered as fast as gas, it was necessary to have an outlet for the smoke, especially in a small kitchen. Mr. Bidvgell stated that he was not sure whether or not this was a matter to I.e included in the Building Laws inasmuch as the Building Laws were for the safety and health of the community. However, they would consider the matter and find out what other towns were doing with their regulations. �he_Build.ing Inspector suggested that a regulation be put in whereby the Police Dept. woul@ have to check up on all the work going on. I; this way, all new work would be found that no permits were obtained for. They also suggested having everyone who makes any monor repairs report the matter to the Building Inspector although not requesting; them to get a permit. They felt that there is a lot of work that is done that is not found, and felt especially that the electrical work in these repairs that are made is not known of and that there is a chance that this work is not inspected and imz)roper wiring is being installed. They also suggested having plaster ceilings in c6llars. This appeared to be a very good suggestion inasmuch as Mr. Longbottom reported that the Fire Prevention Commissioners Office states that 75 per cent of the fires start in the cellars. Mr. Custance called attention .to the fact that he felt the reulations should be amended by including 2 x 8 instead of 2 x 6 timbers on the third floor and the additional cost would not mean more than $10. in many houses on the third floor he had had requests for the installation of a bath room and it makes it very difficult to install a bathroom when there are 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 timbers, and with this slight additional cost the third floor would be equipped with the proper material for the installation of playrooms or bathrooms,,. or whatdver is necessary. Other minor changes were also considered. The Committee stated that they would hold a public hearing. However, when their changes are ready, they would also submit them to the Selectmen before they held a public hearing. Mr. Edward W. Taylor, ':Chief Fire Engineer, came before the 3oa rd with a request for an appropriation of $50,2260 for 1932. The Board went over each item: of his appropriation very carefully and cut down the request, approving 38,212.50, as follows: Engineers Permanent Call Extra Duty Clerical L1znches I I Estimate 1932 Approved 1000.00 1000.00 24282.00 22274.50 3822.00 3822.00 933.00 893.00 25.00. 25.00 25.00 25.00 , 245 Estimate 1932 Approved 3453.00 1170.00 350.00 1750.00 150.00 150.00 200.00 1000.00 800.00 250.00 250.00 50.00 50.00 325.00 25.00 200.00 38212.50 The Board in discussing the Fire Dept. appropriation found that on January 6, 1930 the Town Accountant received a communication from the Fire Engineers of the Town notifying him of the increase in pay of the regular men as follows; Apparatus 4453.00 ' Hose Equipment for men 1670.00 350.00 Maintenance of Fire Alarm 2000.00 Furniture & Fixtures 350.00 Shop Equipment 350.00 Maintetannce of Chief's car 200.00 Fuel 1000.00 Light and Power 800.00 Repairs to Bldgs. 250.00 Laundry 250.00 Water & Sewer 50.00 Stationery, Printing & Postage150.00 Telephone 325.00 Mbdical 125.00 Rental for W. H. & B. S. 200.00 6 Addil perm. Men. (Apr.l) 7356.00 Out-of-state Travel Expense 200.00 50226.00 Approved 3453.00 1170.00 350.00 1750.00 150.00 150.00 200.00 1000.00 800.00 250.00 250.00 50.00 50.00 325.00 25.00 200.00 38212.50 The Board in discussing the Fire Dept. appropriation found that on January 6, 1930 the Town Accountant received a communication from the Fire Engineers of the Town notifying him of the increase in pay of the regular men as follows; The Board did not discuss thits matter and did nbt give any instructions for an increase. It was therefor voted, after considering the matter, to notify the Town Accountant not to accept any notifications in regard to the increase of salaries except upon notification of the Board of Selectmen with the exception of the Following departments; School, Cemeteries, Town Clerk and Treasurer and Tax Collector. After further consideration of the salaries of the permanent men in the Fire Dept, it was voted that the sum requested by the Chief be reduced $2007.50, making the total for salaries for permanent men 022,274.50. It was also voted to take off the sum of 1100. from extra men, leaving that amount 0893.00. In regard to the request of the Chief of the Fire Department for $2600. for the Forest Warden's Dept., it was voted to approve $500. In regard to the unemployment situation, it appears Unemploy- that various organizations are interested in placing ment funds to be expended for the unemployed. It was therefor Committee ' voted to appoint a Committee, upon which the Chairman and the Clerk of this Board will serve, and also a member of the Public Hedlth Association and a member of the Board of Trade. In regard to the Committee on the Fire Engine House, Fire House Mr. Blake suggested that they might secure the land on location. 1st yr. 2r►d.yr. $4.50 per day 5.00 M M I 3r.d. #rd.yr. 5.50 M x 4th yr. 6.00 The Board did not discuss thits matter and did nbt give any instructions for an increase. It was therefor voted, after considering the matter, to notify the Town Accountant not to accept any notifications in regard to the increase of salaries except upon notification of the Board of Selectmen with the exception of the Following departments; School, Cemeteries, Town Clerk and Treasurer and Tax Collector. After further consideration of the salaries of the permanent men in the Fire Dept, it was voted that the sum requested by the Chief be reduced $2007.50, making the total for salaries for permanent men 022,274.50. It was also voted to take off the sum of 1100. from extra men, leaving that amount 0893.00. In regard to the request of the Chief of the Fire Department for $2600. for the Forest Warden's Dept., it was voted to approve $500. In regard to the unemployment situation, it appears Unemploy- that various organizations are interested in placing ment funds to be expended for the unemployed. It was therefor Committee ' voted to appoint a Committee, upon which the Chairman and the Clerk of this Board will serve, and also a member of the Public Hedlth Association and a member of the Board of Trade. In regard to the Committee on the Fire Engine House, Fire House Mr. Blake suggested that they might secure the land on location. 246 Bedford Street now occupied by a miniature golf course owned by Mr. Bartlett. Mr. Custance reported that he p,�1 did not believe any option that might be obtudned on the property would disturb Mr: Bartlett. The Board discussed the employees of the highway , department and the salaries being paid to each, and voted to approve the following changes: Jan. 1, 1932. Collins John J. .. 55 ;Reduced to .50 Day; Arthur .60 *80 Ferry, Antonio 055 .50 French, Wm. G. 3.00 per day Same Hannaford, Robert .55 .50 Harkins, Edward .55 .50 Harrington, Timothy .55 .50 Higgins, Charles .60 .55 Hood, Walter .60 .55 McAnaul, Robert .60 .55 Nutt, Charles .60 .55 Powers, Michael .55 .55 Salaries Quinn, Alexander 35.00 per week same Russell, Warren .50 .50 Eha, Nicholas .60 .50 Stewart, James .55 .55 Sullivan, James .60 .55 Thomas, George .55 .50 Trembell, George .55 .50 Weisinger, Wallace .60 .55. Williams, Charles .55 .50 ' Williams, Ernest .60 .50 Wood, John .55 .50 This change was to go into effect Jan. 1, 1932, and the Supt. of -Public Works was instructed to notify all the members of the department. In regard to the paof Osborne J. Gorman, it was voted to reduce his pay'3. per week from $35. to $32..beginning January let, 1932. In regard to Mr. Henry Nutt, employed on the Moth Department, it was voted to reduce his salary from $30. to $27.50 per week. The Board discussed the salary of Philip Leaf, Ass1t Janitor, and voted to reduce his salary 2, per week beginning Jan. 1, 1932. In regard to the automobiles of John T. Cosgrove, Town Engineer, William Scamman, Supt. of Public Works, and Robert H. White, Supt. of Streets, it was voted to allow $200. for each of these cars rather than the amount now paid, the same to begin Jan. let, 1932. It was voted to grant Mr. Spencer $100.pfr year for the use of his car. It was voted to reduce the salary of the Supt. of ' Public Works from $4200 to $3600 per year, this to go into effect January let, 1932. In re:;rard to the surety bonds on water guarantees, Mr. Gilcreast reported having consulted with three different persons, including Willard C. Hill, and found 247 that no bondin company would furnish a surety bond Surety Bonds. to cover a water guarantee. ' Mr. Gilcreast reported having visited Mrs. Catherine Dunham, 611 Mass. Avenue, Lexington, and. apy�roved Old Age Assistance for -ger, owing to her crippled condition. Old Age The state a droved x¢12. per week Old Age Assistance for Assistance, Mrs. Dunham. The Board therefor voted to grant $12. per Dunham. week Old Age Assistance to her. Mr. Custance presented a plan showing the layout of Proposed the proposed street from to Lexington so that street. the Board might view the same. Application for Old Age Assistance was received from Old Age Allison A. Barker, WAltham, but the Town of Lexington Assistance, being responsible for his care.. Mr. uilcreast' agireed to Bare=Ler. investigate the case. The Board voted to grant the sewer abatement of $13.67, and interest, $7.38 against the property of Abatement. Mary A. WAl.s#, 2243 Mass. Ave. Letter was received from the Trimount Cooperative Bank relative to the house which they took over where Mr. Michael Cardillo lives. He stated that they intend Cardillo to order the house vacated in the Spring, but thtt they house. would rent the house for $40. Ir. Blake suggested ' offering $25. per month rent for the winter months, as this is a Welfare case. The meeting adjourned at 12 o'clock. A true record, Attest: - 1 Clerk,