HomeMy WebLinkAbout1932-03-22SMCTMEN'S MEETING
MARCH 22. 1932.
A regular meeting of the Selectmen was held in the
n
Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 P.M.
Messrs. Trask, Custance, Gilereast, Ferguson and
O'Connell were present.
Sunday license was signed giving George W. Bean
Golf License.
of 241 Bedford Street permission to have Sunday golf
on March 27th, April 3, 10, 17, and 24.
Letter was received. from the Town Accountant in
which he advised the Board that the Town has on hand
about 165,000, with a Revenue Loan of #175,000. payable
on the 15th of April. He suggested a loan of #150,800.
dated March 31st,, 1932 and payable December 7th, 1932.'
Temporary
Mr. Gilereast suggested that the loan be payable
loan.
November 15, 1932 rather than December 7th,
The Board therefor voted to authorize the Town
Treasurer to obtain, bids on a temporary loan of #150,000.
dated March 31st and payable November 15th.
Stat e Aid.
State Aid payroll in the amount of $31. was signed
Payroll.
by the Board.
Extract from the By-laws of the Town of Winthrop
was presented to the Board showing a by-law giving the
Board of Selectmen authority to sell personal property
Sale of
of the Town not exceeding 300. in value.
Personal
The Board felt that this amount was rather low and
property,
it might not cover some conditions that might arise.
Mr. O'Connell took the copy and stated that he
would look into the matter and see what he could
recommend to the Board' at the next meetinj3.
Freeman
Application was received from George D. Freeman
application,
of Waltham Street in which he requested permission to
peddle meats.
Mr. O'Connell felt that Mr. Freeman shoixld inform
the Board as to just exactly where he intended to keep
his meats before they .granted him a license.
The application was therefor laid upon th etable.
Application was received from George W. Porter,
39 Theresa Avenue to have the license of James D.
Portbr
Paynter transferred to him for peddling petroleum
application.
products.
Mr. O'Connell felt that it should be proven that
Mr. Porter was keeping within all the laws of the State
Fire Marshall's Office and have the approval of the Chief
of the Fire Department before the license was granted.
It .was therefor voted to lay this application on
the table,
Report of progress was received from the Committee
on Arboretum as follows:
n
Progress Report of the Lexington Arboretum Committee
45 Parker St.,
Lexington,Mass.
March 21, 1932.
T'o the Board of Selectmen
Town of Lexington
The Lexington. Arboretum Committee made a
preliminary report last' summer, which was acknowledged under date
of August 14, 1931.
In this letter of acknowledgement of the report are the
following works:-- "The Board, acting as a Board of.Park
Commissioners, voted to =rant such authority as is vebtdd
In them to tour Committee to establish an Arboretum in
Tower Park.
As no funds are provided specially for -this work, and as the
carrying out of any plan would cause some expense otht-r than that
normally required for the administration of Tourer Park, because.
of more pressing needs in the town it does not seam desirable to
go forward with any elaborate plan just now. A detailed plan
can be worked out by the committee, and some volunteer work may
be dd ne this spring.
Stephen F. Hamblin
Chairman.
Lexington Arboretum Committee.
The Chairman reported that he had apprdved the
application of the American Legion for a wrestling
match to be held April 8th at the Cary Memorial
Building,
The Board of Selectmen approved granting the
Legion.the use of the Hall for the wrestling match and
voted to make a charge of $25.
Mr. Joseph Busconi, 40 Quimby Street, Watertown
came before the Board.
The Board requested him to have the automobile's on
the property owned by him which was formerly the Harry
Coolidge property,cleaned up and removed inasmuch as
they did not improve the looks of the premises and the
Board desired to have the places around the Town as
clean as possible.
Mr. Busconi inquired whether or not the Board
would favor cleaning up the premises and applying for a
gasoline permit:
The Board informed him that applying for a gasoline
permit was an entirely different matter and that they
desired to have the place cleaned up and if he wanted
to make an application for a filling station he would
have to do that as a separate matter,
Daniel Gorman came before the Board and asked what
the Board would do about the condition existing in the
349
Cary Hall
rental .
Busconi
property.
350
vicinity of his house on Manning Street. He stated that
there was about one foot of water in the cellar today
and the people who were living in the house had agreed
Gorman to purchase the house and he feels now that he may lose
house. the sale owing to the condition.
The Chairman reported that he viewed the premises
this morning.
The Board requested the Supt. of Public Works to
look into the conditions and to see what is the trouble.
Phamp let, copy of which was sent to each member of
the General Court by the Secretary of the Public Franchise
League, was received by the Board.
Several weeks ago Mr. Neil McIntosh made a request
that he receive an abatement for the difference in cost
in -'laying a larger main: in the streets where the guaranted
Abatement. is charged for six inch mains. Mr. McIntosh felt that
there was a larger cost for labor to dig a trench for a
ten inchmain than a six inch main and that allowances should
be made.
Mr. McIntosh and Mr. Albert A. Ross have gone over the
matter with the Board and Mr. McIntosh was informed
that allowances were made for the difference and he was
only charged for the cost of installing a six inch main.
He felt Also that some of the work was done late in the
season .vhen the ground was hard and it is more expensive
to do the work.
It was decided to leave the matter to Mr. Custance to
investigate aid Mr. Custance having reported that he felt
Wachusett Drive was the only place where an abatement
could be make,,. it was voted to make the abatement on this
street.
The Board therefor signed an abatement to Mr. Neil
McIntosh of $23.69 for the y@ar 1931 to.James S. Mowat,
for t: -ie year 1929., $14,36, for 1930 114.36 and for the
1931 account $9.36 making.a total abatipment of $61..77.
Letter was received frau Mrs. Robert H. Holt in
which she resigned as a member of the Dental Clinic
!bsignation.
Committee inasmuch as she felt that she had given
considerable time to this Committee.
The Board toted to accept her resignation and
laid the matter of filling the vacancy over for a
week.
Letter was received filom F. L. Anery, Chairman
of the Planning Board, in which he stated that the
Planning Board had been considering the East Lexington'
Planning
Meadows and the adjoining territory and,it was the
Board.
sense of the meeting that all the territory together
with the area between it and the Lowell Turnpike, also
possibly the land to the northeast of the turnpike, should
have immediate consideration of a general layout in
connection with bhe proposal to widen and improve the
Turnpike. They felt that if this were done it would make '
a better development. He also stated that they understood
the Town of Arlington proposes -to develop a permanent
playground around the reservoir in Arlington and
inquired if any ar rangemQ_nts were possible to continue
the development around the 1^eservoir in Lexington; also
351
if it was possible to arrange with Arlington to obtain
permission to lay out and provide for future improvement of
the Great Meadow area.
He requested that the Town Counsel take the matter
' - up with the Town Counsel.of Arlington.
The Board discussed the matter and decided to
request Mr. Emery to come before the Board at the next
meeting to convey to the Board just what the Planning
Board hopes to accomplish.
In regard to the letter of Mr. P. J. Neary in
which he enclosed a petition signed by several of the Oak St.
residents in the vicinity of Oak Street requesting that widening.
Oak Street be widened to a width of 6E) feet, the Board
decided to hold an informal hearing next Tuesday evening
at 8:30 P.. at which the parties were invited to express
their opinion.
Letter was received from Edith M. Hutchinson, Secretary,
George G. Meade W.R. C. #97, expressing appreciation
for the use of the Hall February 22nd.
Application for a pool roan was received from Max
Bluestein. He desired to operate at 2 Bow Street.
Mr. O'Connell reported that he was acquainted with
Mr. Bluestein and could recommend him and was fully
certain that he would operate a decent place.
After discussing the matter,ZB&Od decided to
' refer the matter to the Chief of Police for his
recommendation.
A resolution passed by the City of Melrose relative
to giving all Towns and Cities in the County an
opportunity to express their views on any app-ropmi&t tons
for buildings to be built by the County was received.
The Board discussed the matter, and. Mr. GilerAast
agreed to get copies of the proposed legialation in
regard to this matter so that the Board could discuss
what is proposed for Legislation.
Letter was received from the Supt. of Public Works
in which he recommended a four inch hydrant be placed
on Cottage Street; also that he did not recommend
that a street light be placed In front of Donnellan+s 'house.
The Board voted to instruct the Supt. of Pulblia Works
to install a hydrant in Cottage St. immediately.
In regard to the electric light, the Board voted
not to install an electric light at this location.
In regard to the letter of Mr. A. G. Folger
of 26 ducker Avenue in which he registered a request
for a street light on the pole at the junction of Taft
Avenue and Ellis Street, the Supt. of Public Works reported
that he did not believe a light should be placed on this
pole inasmuch as it would. bring it too near the other
lights.
The Board therefor voted to accept the recommendation
of the Supt. of Public Works and to inform Mr. Folger that
a light would not be installed. -
Pool Room
Application.
Proposed
Legislation
Cottage
St.
Street
light.
352
It was voted to abate the charge of $4.10 made against
the State Dept. of Public Welfare for crutches furnished
Abatement, to Mr. Wilbert Sanford. The State- Law does. not al low the
State Dept. to furnish equipment for patients while in the
hospital and therefor they would not honor this charge,
The Board approved the application of Mrs. Florida
License. Crawford for the board of infants at her home 39 Moreland
Averiue,This license is a venewal.
A bill was received from the Lexington Trust Co. in
the amount of $77,10 for the Town's share of the lights
erected outside of the. Trust Company in accordance with
the agreement entered into with the Tau.st Company.
Electric In explanation, Mr. Walker explained that one street
lights. light at the corner of Mass. Avenue and Muzzey Street for
which the Edison Co. received approximately $70. per year,
was located there prior to occupying the bank quarters.
They obtained permission to remove the one light and install
three lights. The bank agreed that they would supply street
lighting from dark until 10:30 P.M. at no expense to the
Town m oviding they would be reimbursed for the current
consumed from 10:30 P. M. until dawn. In checking with
the Edison Company they were advised that the three lights
burned 1027 K.W. hours figured on a 360 daa year basis
and at .75 per K.W. hour would amount to 77.10.
Mr. O'Connell objected to the payment of all this
bill inasmuch as he felt that the bank had no right
to enter into any contract of this kind furnishing service
to the _Town. He;wishbd to be recorded against paying
the bill.
The Board felt that inasmuch as they had made
this agreement they should pay the bill.
The Chairmai was also requested to communicate
with the Edison Co. to have them render a bill for the
service .to the Town in the future.
Mr. Silvio Commeriere requested that the Town put
some of the unemployment men in to clean out the brook
that dumps water on his property in the vicinity of
Complaint re Summer_ Street extension.. Fie stated that the T own of
brook. Arlington gleaned out their end of the brook acid he felt
that. Lexington should clean out their end and remedy
the conditions. The Supt. of Public Works was requested
to look into the matter.
Copy of Chapter 94 of the Acts of 1932, the same being
an act, to allow Towns to collect taxes in advance, was
Act . presented to the Board.
The Board felt that theywere not interested in
having this Act accepted by the Town and no action was
taken.
In regard to the request of Miss Louise Hannaford,
for the extension of water main to her house on Middleby
Water Road, Mr. O'Connell agreed to sign the guarantee -bond
main, which would cost approximately $30. a year, providing her
brother did the excavating and refilling of the trench.
The Board voted to install the water main under
these conditions.
1
Mr. Custance suggested that rather than a
main, an eight inch pipe be laid and the Supt.
Works was requested to look into the matter.
' Letter was received from D. J. O'Connell
for Mr. Charles A. Cummings in which he stated
Cummings had a claim of $206* for a milk.bill
estate of Michael. Cardillo.
1
1
six inch
of Publi c
as Attorney
that Mr.
against the
The Clark was informed by the Insurance Co. that they
would not make payment oler to the Town although Mrs.
Cardillo had assigned the payment, but that an administrator
would have to be appointed.
. The Board voted to appoint Mr. Trask as; administrator
and Mr. O'Connell offered to do the legal work without
charge to the Town.
The Board voted to ,grant a relocation of one pole
and set another pole on Lincoln Street nFar the corner
of Marrett Road along the Sarano property, the Supt. of
Public Works having recommended the change.
The following appointments were made;
Fence Viewers:- B. J. Harrington and Frank P. Cutter.
Health Officer and Town Physician, Dr. Charles R. Hardcastle.
Mr. Trask reported that. Dr. Hardcastle had served in two
New York Hospitals as resident physician and had done
considerable settlement work and was well fitted for the
position. He was willing to s erve for the sum. of $200.1
per year. In regard to the Health Officer, it was decided
to request Dr. Hardcastle to charge at the rate of $3.
per visit The visits in the past have been at the rate
of $4.' pe visit.
It was.mvoted to appoint S..R. Wrightington as Town
Counsel. -
Yr. O'Connell suggested that some of the cases that
are ref erred to the Town Counsel might be settled by
the Board of Selectmen and the Board therefor voted to
advis e' the Town Treasurer to turn over all claims against
the Town to the Selectmen and they.would .turn them over
to the Town Counsel as they saw fit.
It was decided to hold over for one week the appointment
of filling the vacancy on the Dental Clinic Committee,also the
appointment of the plumbing inspector aril the asstt Supt.
of° streets. '
Mr. Custance was requested to bring in information
in regard to the latter appointment.
The following were appointed as a Board of Asspssora:.
Donald T:.lscn, Fred B. Bartlett, Eugene T. Buckley, Wm.
G. Potter and Curlys L. Slocum.
It '
t' was voted to appoint John F. 0 l Connor and Paul
90Donnell, 28 Vine St. as Asstt Assessors.
Mr. 'regard- to the
qualifications of Mr. Chas. H. Marsolais. The Board
appointed Mr. Slocum in the place of Mr. Marsolaid, however.
353
Appointments
Mr. OtConnell called the' attentioh of the Supt. of Public
Works to the fact that there was n04: tail board on --the Trucks.
Water Dept. truck driven by Mr. Ca.taldo and that the sand
354
was dropping from the truck.,.
Mr. Trask called attention to the fact that there
had been some criticism of Mr. R. H. Stevense supplying
the sand a.nd gravel for the.Town. He therefor requested
the Supt. of Public Works to get bids on prices. The
bids are as follows:
PRICES SUBMITTED FOR SAN -T) AND GRAVEL 1932
DEALERS Fine Sand Coarse Sand #2 Cr.Stone
Boston Sana7 Grave oo $1.40 ton 1.30 ton 1.75 ton
1.75 cu.yd. 1.82 cu.yd. 2945 cu.yd.
DEALER
Fin -t
Sand Coarse Sand i� 2
Cr. S one _
�� arr1
rave Co. 1 ;5U
t000nri:C:'� on
ton
rave out
1.63
cu.yd.1.68 cu.yd. 2.31
cu.yd.
#1 Cr. Stone
Cr -Bank Gravel
Rough Bank Gravel
Pea Stone
1.65 ton
1.25 ton
.90 ton
2.10 ton
2.31 cu.yd.
1.871 cu. d.
1,35 cu.yd.
3.15 cu.yd.
DTALER
Fine Sand
Coarse Sand
#2 Cr.Stone
_
George H. Noone Sank
& Gravel._Compan
1.50 ton 1.50 ton
1.87-1 cu.yd. 2.10 cuiyd.
1.85 #ron
2•.59 cu.Xd.
U -Cr. Stone r.
rave out
Bank Gravel
Peaone
lebb on
2.59 cu,yd. 2.25
cu.yd. 2.25
on
cu.yd.
2.25 ton
•3.37j cu.yd.
DEALER Fine Sand. Coarse Sand_ #2' Cr. Stone
John H. McNamara Co. 1045 ton 1-0,35 toff 1:75 °t6n
1.81 cu.vd. 1,89 cu.yd. 2.45 cu.yd.
Z.75 ton 1.05 ton 2.25 ton
2.45.cu. d. 1.571 cu. d. 3,37kcu.yd*-
DEALER
u. d.
DEALER
Fine Sand
Coarse Sand
#2 Cr.Stone
Lexington Sand
& 1.25 ton
1.15 ton
1.60 ton
Gravel Companj
1.56 cu.yd.
1.61 cu,yd.
2.24 cu.yd.
#1 Cr.Stone
Cr.Ba.nk Gravel Ribughh,
Bank Gravel
Pea Stone
1.60 ton
2.05 ton
2.24 cu..yq*
3.07* cu.yd.
DFA'LER Fine
Sand
Coarse Sand
12 Cr.S
one
R. H. Stevens1.40
cu.yd.
1.40 cu,yd.
2.00
cu.yd,
1.12
ton
1.00 ton
1.43
ton
##1 Cr,Stone Cr.Bank Gravel Rough`Bank -0ravel Pea Stone '
2.00 cu.yd.1.�,p cu.yd. 1.25'cu.yd. 2.75 cu.yd.
1.43 ton 1.07 ton g4 tom, 1.84 ton
It was evident that the bids submitted by R. H.
Stevens were lower than the other bids End the Board
voted to accept his bid.
' There also appeared to be some criticism of Mr.
Anthony Ross getting work from the Town. The Board Rids.
therefor requested bids on the installation of sewers
and received the following bids x
A. G. Tomasello f Son, Inc. - $1.25 per cubic yard
James J. Coughlan & Sons Inc.-$ 1.50 per cubic yard
Anthony Ross &.Son-_$.75_per cubic yard.
1
Anthony Ross and Son being the lowest bidder, it
was voted to accept his bid for sewer insta,11ation.
The Chairman of the Board was authorized to publish
the situation so that there..would not be any further
criticism on the part of the people in the Town, as to
the awarding of contracts to these two men.
It was voted to raise the pay of Mr. Wm. G. French
who is a street Dept. worker, $4, a day, the same being
the regular pay.
Considerable discussion was had in regard to the
Board of Assessors Dept. Mr. O'Connell felt that tkn
salaries paid both to the Asstt Assessor and the
clerk were excessive for the amount of work done. He
felt that some change should be _made_ in this department.
The Board therefor decided to have a talk with the.newly
appointed Board of Assessors next Tuesday evening.
The Board.discussed the laborers,; in the Highway
Dept. and felt that some of the laborers such as Timothy
Harrington, Michael Powers, George Trembell and Charles
Higgins might be put on part time. Mr. Custance requested
that the ages of these men be brought in so that the
Board could discuss what should be done about them.
T. Harrington., age 64 — Michael Powers, not known,
George Trembell, unknown, George Thomas, 64, Charles_Higgins,69.
The meeting adjourned at 11;25 P.M.
A true record Attest:
Clerk.
355