HomeMy WebLinkAbout1932-03-29 356 ippb
SELECTMEN'S M EET INC. tZI
MARCH 29, 1932 . M",
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
at the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 7 :30 P.M.
Messrs. Trask, Custance, Gilcreast , Ferguson and O'Connell
were present.
Mr. O' Connell reported in regard to the Shea property
in East Lexington known as the Old Paint Shop.He
Old ,Paint presented copies of the title references to the Board.
Shop. The Board requested Mr. O'Connell to communicate
with the owner requesting him to tear down the Old Paint
Shop building.
Mr. John A. Murray of 19 Theresa Avenue came before
the Board and stated that he understood an application
had been made by Max Bluestein for a pool room at #2 Bow
Street. He stated that there were at least fifteen persons
Pool Roan in the neighborhood who would come up and object to any
License. pool room license being granted and he felt that if the
Board was to take any action on this application it should
be delayed until such time as the persons in the neighbor-
hood could be given a hearing.
The Chief of Police reported as not being in favor
of the grantine of a permit to Max Bluestein to operate
a pool room at 2 Bow Street and in view of the Chief's
report and the objection, the Board voted not to grant the
permit.
The new Board of Assessors came before the Board at
the Selectmen's request . Mr. Trask informed them that
inasmuch as they had an entirely new .ard that the
Board of Selectmen felt that they sould talk with them
to convey some ideas that the Selectmen had about the
Assessing Department. He explained tb them that the
Assessors Board desired to come as near as possible to the tax
Department. rate of $30. as suggested by the Appropriation Committee
report, and that they felt that if the Board should see
fit to reduce the assistants in the Board of Assessors
Office, they might do so.
After they had discussed the matter, the Selectmen
desired to know whether or not they felt another assistant
assessor should be appointed. The suggestion was made to
the Board that thererahould be two men on each side of the
Street. Othersise the two men would be waiting for one on
the other side of the street and the cost would not be any
more expensive but the duties would be completed much faster.
Mr. Ferguson felt that the matter of personal property assess-
ments could be given special attention and also called
attention to the Ryder suit and the Swenson suit which will
come up this year for trial. The question of lowering
valuations was discussed, and the Selectmen felt that if
any drastic lowering was considered by the Board of Assessors ,
that it should be considered by the Selectmen also.
Mr. O'Connell felt that the Board should give
consideration to the reduction of the salary of the
present assestant assessor. He compared this work with
the work of the Town Clerk and Town TreasOrer's Dept.
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which did not pay as much salary. he felt that the job
was not worth more than $40. a week. he also felt that
the Clerk in the department who was receiving $28. per
week should he reduced to a regular stenographers ' pay
inasmuch as he felt that the office work was nothing but
copy work and did not require any particular skill. He felt
that the c 'iticism of this department was quite general
and that if this Board did do something along this line that
it would meet with accord. He felt that the salaries paid
fort he work done was entirely out of reason.
Mr. Buckley stated that he informally considered this
matter with some of the members of the Board and they wondered
just how this could be brought about owing to the statement made
in Town Meeting by the Chairman of the Selectmen that there
would be no reductions in salaries . They felt however that the
department could get along with less assistance and that
the persons working could be made to earn the salary received.
Bids were received on a temporary loan of $150,000
dated March 31st and payable November 15th as follows :
State Street Trust Co. -5.17 dis.
Lexington Trust Co. -5.47 dis. Teaporary
Faxon Gade Co. -4.95 dis . plus $1. loan.
Waite Brothers -5.34 addition premium, $2.75
It was voted to award the bid to }"axon Gade Company
provided they confirm their bid by letter.
Hearing was declared open on the application of Paul
Bowser for permission to erect a garae on Grant Street
having an area of less than 800 square feet .
Mr. Dunn, representing Mr. Bowser, appeared before Bowser
the Board and presented the plans of the building. garage
Mr. Dunn was informed that he woad have to file a hearing.
plot plan of the property owned by Mr. Bowser before a
permit could be granted.
The Board voted to grant the permit providing this
plot plan was filed with the Building Inspector.
Applications for Old Age Assistance of Frank Canisius Old Age
of Ward Street and William A. Kendall of Bedford Street Assist-
were referred to Mr. Gilcreast . as ce.
Mr. O'Connell reported in regard to the By-law of
the Town of Winthrop which was referred to him relative
to the sale of personal property of the Town, that he
was conferring with the Attorney Geneal ' s office , and
there seemed to he some difference of opinion as to
whether or not it was necessary to have a By-law covering
this matte.
At 8:30 P.M. informal hearing was held on the petition
of the residents of Oak Street and vicinity to widen Oak
Street from Mass . Avenue to Ellis Street.
Mr. P. J. Neary was spokesman for t-he meeting. He
felt that the Selectmen knew the condition of Oak Street
as weal as he did and that it was too na»row for the traffic
upon the street. For a great many years there has been no
change in this street, yet there have been three acejdents
this last winter, one very serious accident . He had
mud guards taken from his car recently in an accident on
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this street and he had driven just as close to the tees
as possible to let away from the other car. He was told
there was to be some development and the residents would
get the street widened. He was told at the last Town
Meeting to wait a little while and they would get the
street widened. He felt that something would happen if
this street was let go any longer.
Mr. Francis Toye felt that he did not have very much
to add to What Mr. Neary said but he felt the Selectmen
should do something as soon as possible.
Mrs . Golder Ware stated that she wanted to speak for
the mothers and the children. She drives a car herself
and a g'eat many times when she is doing down the hill
when she blows her horn at the children, they go on both
sides of the street . She herself is a careful driver but
she considers the welfare of the children in connection
with the trucks and delivery wagons that mo up and down
that are travelling fast.
Mr. Arthur n. Folger stated that the street is
from wall to wall 33 feet at the widest point and that
half way up there is a curve there and the street at the
narrowest point narrows down to fifteen feet six inches .
There are a number of cars sometimes parked on this
street long into the evening leaving a distance of about
twelve feet available for the traffic . At the Mass.
Avenue entrance it is 27 feet wide. He felt that the
Board would agree that the street was too narrown,
Oak Street especially where so many school children travel on
widening, the street . There are approximately 125 school dhkldren
hearing. travelling up and down this street , the majority of
them four times a day and there are forty automobiles
that use that street twice a day and there are 82
delivery trucks and automobiles and residents cars .
This was from a count tnfor ,two days from seven
O 'clock in the morning until 4:15 in the afternoon.
The e are several provision store trucks that ro up
and down at a high rate of speed and with 125 children
in the neighborhood, he felt something should be done
about widening the street . He stated that of course
the widening would mean the taking of some land, but
that the land could not be had for a lower cost than
at the present time. He spoke of a -ecent accident to
Mrs . Buckett tat occasioned her to he confined to the
hospital. He felt that it was for the interest of the
women and children that this street be widened.
Mr. Custance explained that before putting the street
in condition, the sewer and the water should first be
installed and that the cost of doing all the work would be
approximately $25,000. He felt that it would not be
vide to construct the street without installing these
utilities first . He also called attention to the
gutter which is now paved and if the street is widened
out from wall to wall, he still felt that the public
utilities should be put in.
Mr. Anderson stated that in the winter time on
account of the icy condition of Charles Street, the
people in that section used Oak Street . He explained
accidents which had happened on account of the delivery
trucks driving so fast as to endanger the lives of the
little children. He felt that if a smaller job could
be done to widen the street out for safety that this
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might be suz'ficient to last for some time.
Attention was also called to the fact that t;h-re
a-.e ten trees on the right hanc side going up aid also
s-everal trees on the left hand side that make it
dangerous.
Mrs . Herbert Flint felt that there might he a sidewalk
left on the right hand side for the children to walk
on so they would have some place to go for protection
from the venicles.
Mr. Dahlstrom felt that the expenditure of S5000.
now to widen the street out would be money thrown away
if in two or three years from now the Town had to
expend $25,000. to do a good lob on the street . If
it is to be done , a good job should be done .
Mr. Toye felt that Mrs . Flint ' s point wis well
taken and that there whoild be some place provided for
the children. Mr. Trask explained that there was a very
good sidewalk put in on Mass. Ave. with a sub-base and
people did not use it , they will only use a granolithic walk.
Mr Clifford and Mr. Kydd also spoke inf aver of
widening Oak Street.
The Board decided to have the Engineers submit
figures and to make further recommendations relative
to what mi-ht be done to remedy the conditions , aid Mr.
Custance was requested to see that the studies were
made.
Mr. Collins , Attorney for Mr Sperandbo, came
before the Board again to see what could b- done. He
felt that Mr. Sperandeo should be given a chance and
thought there was not any sense in hav n r him tear down
the structure which was now on his premises which was
silt in 1916 and then have him apply for a new permit.
He felt also that the Board could decide this matter and
there was no need of its going any furt er into Court. Sperandeo
He felt that an agreement could be arrived at that Mr. case.
Sprandeo would not use the banding for anything but
farm purposes and that that would eliminate may further
Court proceedings. He felt that it wuld not be an
imposition to allow the building ±,o remain there
inasmuch as all the neighbors in the vicinity have
snacks of a emliillar nature. He admitted that Mr . Sperandeo
stayed in the place on Saturdays and Sundays but he did not
live there during the week.
The Board informed Mr. Collins that they understood
Mr. Sperandeo did live there and went to work from there
every day. They inquired whether or not he would remove
the stove and the table that were now in the building.
Mr. Collins stated that he would be willing to do anything
that was agreeable to the Board.
The Board left the matter with Mr. O'Connell to
communicate with Mr. Collins and draw up an agreement.
Mr. Emery, Mr. Duffy sn d Mr. Milne of the Planning
Board came before the Board.
Mr. Emery desired to have the letter read that he
wrote to the Board and noted that he did not explain
as clearly as he meant to in regard to providing roads
for the wewer extension to be put through the East
360 gzh
Lexington Meadows area. He felt- that Mr. Duffy was
more familiar with the situation having liv'd in the
neighborhood and he requested him to make some statementsOat
in regard to the situation.-
Mr. Duffy explained that the situation had been
under discussion for s^veral years and he felt that the
project contemplated of laying the sewer in the future
should be studied so that the se er might be lain in the
proposed location of roads through this area. Usually
an easement is taken in connection with such a project.
He felt that there were many uses to which this area
might be put and that the st .itus of the so-called water
area should be det' _mined. He felt that the Town might
inquire of the development of the Town of Arlington and
see if any Ilaus could be arranged that might harmonize
with their plans . He felt that the first thing to
ascertain was the legal status of the large area adjoining
Maple S'-reet, Lowell Street and the railroad.
Mr. Emery stated thht the Town Engineer informed
them that a trunk sewer would have to be provided there
within the next few years.
1 Mr. Duffy called attention to the Metcalf and Eddy
report which outlined the sewer to be located in b1 is area.
Mr. Duffy felt that the Arlington Board of Selectmen would
be willing to cooperate to straighten out the situation of
water rights.
Mr. Emery explained that the Town Engineer has laid
Out plans and has some topography of the tbrritory between
Lowell Street and the Winchester line and has some suggestion
of the layout of Bow Street.
The Planning 9oolf.d also have had some discussion
as to future arteries or through ways, and considered a st-eet
coming down tlirouph Sickle Brook and connectin up
toward Winchester. These things had been discussed only
generally.
Mr. Emery explained that the matter had been brought
up by Mr. Cosgrove who expected to be called upon to
lay, out the trunk lines for sewer.
Mr. O'Connell felt that if it we're a question of
determiqinx the boundary lines that they should be
described in some conveyance. As he understood it, the
Town of Arlington took the entire area by Eminent Domain
and supplemented it by deeds and there is some question
as to the present status of these deeds and he felt that
it must be a matter of record in both Cambridge and Arlington.
It was understood that the water used in various places
in Arlington comes from the res ervbir.
The Plannin=; Board felt that as soon as the legal
status of the Meadows was dettled, the Meadows might be
used for playground purposes or some other purpose, but
the question now is to determine the control of the
property itself.
The Clerk was requested to look up the correspondence
to see if any correspondence had been had with the Town
of Arlington in regard to the East Lexington Meadows .
Mr. O'Connell felt that rather than have the Town
Counsels get together, that communication should be directed
from the Board of Selectmen to the Board of Selectmen
361
of 1inrton a1d in this ay the Bollards codultd et tofet:ier
prdposi ion. he Cie k was irecte o ett outae
correspondence relative to the East Lexington Meadows.
The Board discussed the appointment of the Plumbing
Inspector and the letter written by the Civil Service Commission,
in which they stated that any person appointed to the office
of Plumbin•T Inspector of the Town of Lexington would have to be
under Civil Service, but that they were only under. the Civil Service
for the tenure of their office.
It has been customary to appoint Mr. Bain annually
and therefor it was felt that his tenure of office ceased
at the end of the appointment, March 31st .
Suggestion was made of the appointment of Edward
McNamara of School Street who is a World War Veteran
getting some compensation from the Government, and who Plumbing
has been out of employment for some time.
e Board discussed whether or not it was fair to Inspector.
iih
Mr. Bain to discharge him after 18 years of service
without ;ivin.T him a chance to be informed that it was
intended to appoint someone else in his stead.
The Board voted to appoint Mr. Bain, Plumbing Inspector
and after discussing the matter again, voted to reconsider
the appointment.
Letter was received from the Board of Assessors , who
had organized and discussed the matter of appointment of
another assistant assessor, advising the Board that they
felt another assistant assessor should be appointed.' 0.ssistant It was voted to appoint Samuel Zeitlen of the Assessor:
Engineering Dept. as the other assistant assessor .
Mr. Custance presented specifications which he had
drawn up for the painting of the Public Works Building.
Mr. Ferguson offered a suggestion that another para-
graph be added to the specifications calling attention to
the f act that it was the intention of the specifications
to cover a complete job of paintin- the outside of the Rids for
building. painting.
The Board a'proved the specifications with this
correction, the same to be sent to the local painters
for bids.
Letter was received from Mr. John E. Gilcreast in
which he suggested that the time be riven to the spending
of the Town's money prior to the time that it is expended. Town's
It was suggested therefor that the Supt . of Public expenditure:
Works advise the Board in advance and not in arrears, of
the work that was intended to be done each week, giving the
amount to he expended and any purchases that were to be
made amounting to over $300. , the Board should be advised
of, and should know of whom the purchases are to be made ,
of what they are to consist and if they are to be purchased
' by competitive bide or otherwise.
Mr. Trask called attention to the fact that Mr. Scamman
had been requested prior to thea time to give a report
to the Board of what *_as intended to be done each week, but
that this report has tot been given. The Supt. of Public
Works was therefor requested to brin ; in a report eat
week of what was intended to se done the following week
in the various departments under leis supervision.
362 Mr. Scamman called attention to the fact that he SPs
desired to have the Board view the Continental Motor
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Tractor which was now on display at tie Public Works
Dept. Building. The cost is $1600. He would get an04
allowance on the old Fordson Tractor. This tractor would
Tractor. be used for the broom for cleaning the streets . It could
also be used on the sidewalks in the winter time for
plowing snow.
The Board suggested considering a Fordson Tractor.
However, they decided to view the tractor on displey
at present.
Mr. Gilcreast reported in regard to the bill of the
City of Melrose. They passed a resolution relative to
Resolution, the approval of towns of expenditures by the County
for buildings to be built in the County. He communicated
with Melrose and found, that the bill was not yet drawn,
but when it was drawn, cppies would be sent to the
Selectmen's Office.
In regard to the $20,000. water notes to be issued,
Mr. Gilcreast reported that he felt money matters would
be better within a short time, and the Board therefor
voted to authorize the Chairman to authorize the
Water Treasurer to advertise for bids whenever Mr. Gilcreast
Notes. feels that the condition of money rates Would warrant it.
Mr. Custance offered the suggestion that the notes
be written for five years .
Oakland St. It was voted to authorize the Supt. of Public Works
Sewer. to start the sewer job in Oakland Street.
Mr. Custance reported on North Street water
North St. installation that Mr. Harvey Wheeler did not want
Water. to sign the guarantee. Mr. Custance stated that he
would get a, letteut written by Mr. Wheeler stateing that he
would pay the amount of the bill when rendered to him.
Assistant It was voted to appoint William C. Paxton, Jr. as
Supt.of assistant Supt . of Streets the same to take effect April
"treets. 1st, 1930.
In regard to the request of Mr. Commeriere that the
Town put sone men in on his property and clean out the brook,
Commeriere. Mr. Scamman reported that he investigated the conditions
and he did not believe that it was a matter for the Town
to go in and do any work on Mr. Commerierets land.
General discussion was had of the legal cases
before the Town Counsel in connection with the Board
Legal of Assessors Dept. Mr. Custance called attention to
cases . the fact that the case for which the Town Counsel
charged $289. , the same being the Ryder appeal for the
abatetenti of taxes, was settled with an abatement of $500, nn t_
and the Town paid back $17.to Mr. Ryder. He felt that
on this basis the appeals were costing the Town considerable
money and that in order to pay a bill of $289. , considerable
property would have to be assessed. He felt therefor, that
it was a costly proposition to take these matters to Court.
Application of Mrs . C. B. Reed, 5 Wadman Circle for Boardin V 3
Infants was approved by the Board, this having been a renewal.
Auctioneer's license was granted to Leslie J. Wood, Webb Street.
Water Commitment in the amount of $7576.85 was signed by
the Board.
The Clerk reported having communicated with the Dept.
of Public Safety, State House, and they did not have any
regulations covering the peddling of petroleum products aid
the Chief of the Fire Dept . also reported that he could
not find anything in the regulations requiring any special
permission to peddle kerosene or other petroleum products.
The Board tnerefor voted to grint a license to George
W. Porter, 39 Theresa Avenue to peddle petroleum products.
The attention of the Board was called to the fact that
they promised the residents of Raker Avenue that they would
consider the widening of Baker Avenue in the Spring.
The Board decided, however, to &ly. the matter on
the table again.
The Board signed the duplicate agreement, together
with the signature of Caroline A. Barrington, in
coneection with the payment of the damages of $3500N
to Mrs. Harrington for the establishment of a Building Line
across her property in 1926.
In regard to the matter of the Center Engine House Committee,
Mr. Custance suggested that this Committee be revived,
but at the present time no action is necessary.
Mr. Benjamin W. C. Meady came before the Board and
stated that his object in coming before the Board was to
find out just exactly what the Board proposed to do to
relieve his distress of the great quantity of water
being turned in on his property from Reed Street to
Du.nnyknoll Avenue.
Mr. Custance inquired if this was through ttie
brook that comes down through the Golf Club . Mr. Meady
stated that it was and that this is the main tributary.
He was akked why he felt that the Town was
respensible. he stated that this was a long story and
of course Mr. Custance was familiar with it. The first
time he had trouble was some time in 1928 and if his
memory served him correctly, a plan was made and an
agreement was drawn to relieve thea condition, and if
his memory served him correctly, he signed the agreetent'
that was drawn up by the Town Counsel and given to the
Town.
Mr. Custance inquired if the easement was from
Reed Street down between the two houses to take care
of the water- that came down from the brook to the
adjacent property and the water on Reed Street. Mr.
1 I Custance presented a plan and Mr. Meady pointed out
on the plan where he felt the water was coming from
that was causing trouble for him. he explained where
the main brook emptied, and he believed. that it was
clogged and that it had been clogged for twenty-five years .
IIe pointed out on the map whe-e he felt it was clogged.
364col
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He explained where the main brook was feeding into the
branch. He stated that he thought the plan before hi#
was made for the easement that was drawn mid it showed
thereonnhis originally plotted plan upon which there
were eight lots . Mr. Meady stated that he was not an
engineer, but he felt that the completion of Vaille Avenue
and the improvements in Vaille Avenue increased the
surface drainage there, arta in 1928 he had water in
his cellar and he never had any trouble before. He
stated that in Sunnyknoll Avenue the water accumulates
and comes down into this section. There is a 15 inch
pipeunder Sunnyknoll Avenue and this drainage causes him a
great deal of distress not only financially but also
physically and he would like to have some sort of rnief.
The Board inquired whether or not oneninf, up the
ditch would relieve the situation. He stated that
there are six inches of water showing at the exit of
this 15 inch pipe, and it could, not help but fill up
because it is on the level with the back land . The
pipe is ample, but there is somethinv that clogs it
up and he felt that the condititn here could be improved
a great deal. He dtated that the water in his cellar
this morning was 24 inches deep. The house was built
in 1928 and the first indication of water in the cellar
was sometime in the following S (ring. The house was
started in Ap-il or May and it was the following
April that he first had the water and at that time he
talked over giving an easement . Mr. Meady
explained that the house with the drain under it is
absolutely dry. Asked whether or not the Town had
done a1 ything on his land since he ewhed it , he
stated that they had not . The Board inquirelwhether
or not the -^e was a piece of land that was lower than the
surrounding land and whether or not his problem could
be called a grading problem. He stated that he did not
believe this could be called a grading problem.
He stated that the property had been a total loss and that
it stood him approximately $11,000. and he stated that
he would be entirely reasonable with the Board in
doing something to relieve the conditions that caused
him so much distress. He felt that the Board should
relieve the condition and find him a customer for the
house, inasmuch as he felt that he suffered a serious
danage.
The Board decided to meetcxn. Sunday at 2 :15 to
view the premises and also to view the premises
of Mr. Gorman to see what could be done to reliave the
conditions there.
The meeting adjourned at 12 :40 P.M.
A true record, Attest :
Clerk. I