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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1932-05-31 432 SELECT?1EMS MEETING 0 MAY 31, 1932. A regular meeting of this Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, 'Tbwn Office Building, at 7 P.M. Messrs. Trask, Custamce, Gilcreast, Ferguson and O'Connell were present. The Supt. of Public Works and the Clerk were also present. Sunday license for golf at the property of George W. Bean for all Sundays during the month of June was signed by the Board. At 7:45 P.M. hearing was declared open on the petition of the E. E. I. Co. and the N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co. for a joint location of poles on Summit Road. Mr. James G. Robertson appeared and stated that the poles were in the proper location and there was no objection from the State Holding Corp. of from the Chamberlain family. The Board therefor voted to grant the location. Letter was received from Mr. P. J. Neary in which he stated that the residents of Oak Street desired to insert ttn article in the Town Warrant asking the Town to instruct the Selectmen to relocate Oak Street. Letter was received from the State Dept. of Public Health, State House, in regard to the pasteurization of milk plant of Frank H. Reed and that of Albert S. Tyler. They reported that the thermometer charts at the Reed premises contained no temperature readings since May 8 and one chart was found to be undated; that Albert S. Tyler was operating without a license , and that the charts did not bear comparative readings. They reported that the Board was justified in not granting a license to Albert S. Tyler and the place should be closed unless a license was granted. Public Carriage Licenses were granted to James F. McCarthy and James McGann, both being renewals and the proper bonds filed in each case. License was also granted to Annie Robertson for what was formerly the Leaf Spa at Manor Crescent. Letter was received from the Appropriation Committee in which they informed the Board of their organization with Mr. Lawrence G. Mitchell Chairman and Mr. Harold B. Needhan, Secretary. The Board requested that the departments be asked to keep their expenses down to the minimum. Invitation was received from the Middlesex County Sanatorium Trustees to attend a luncheon at the County Sanatorium on Friday, June 3rd at one o ' clock. The Board all decided to attend the luncheon. 433 Letter was received from the State Holding Corp. in which they stated that they desired to have an article inserted in the Warrant asking for the purchase Of 991 feet of six inch water main in Summit Road. The Board considered the matter and decided to insert Summit • an article in the Warrant asking for the purchase of the pipe. Petition was received signed by ten _persons, asking that an article be inserted in the Warrant for the purchase of the water pipe in Fottler Avenue. Fottler Mr. Wrightington informed the Board that he had Ave water satisfactory evidence from Mr. Lippa that he was the owner pipe. of the pipe. The Board therefor decided to insert an article in the Warrant asking for the purchase of this pipe for the sum of $42(1.,. Applications for sidewalks were received from Mr. Wm. E. Denham and George J. Bailey, owners of two peices of property on Muazey Street, that would complete the granolithic work-from the Lexington Trust Co. to the Merry property. It was also understood that Mr. Merry will file an application sot that the sidewalk work will be completed to Raymond Street. Mr. Custance also called attention to the fact that the property owned by Daniel Gorman on Bedford Street had Side- the granolithic wo.k done on both sides and he felt it walks. would be well to do the pork even though the application had not been signed by Mr. Gorman. The Board therefor decided that while the contractor was at that spot, to complete the work and assess the betterment for the work done. Committment of water rates in the amount of $8123.73 Committ- and committment of sewer rentals in the amount of $495.99 ments. were signed by the Board. The Board granted permission to the Arlington Gas Co. to install 1950 feet of main on Middle Street from the present end near Marrett Road. It was also decided to Gas ask the Gas Co. whether or not they woald employ any of main. the unemployed men in the Town of Lexington on this work. Letter was received from the Metropolitan District Commissioner, Davis B. Kennison, in reply to the letter Sewer of the Supt. of Public Works with reference to the extension of the Mill Brook Valley sewer. He explained that the sewer is now being extended to Park Avenue in Arlington, and in order to carry it the entire distance from Park Avenue to the Arlington line, Legislative authority will be required. The Board therefor decided to insert an article in the Town Warrant asking authority to petition the Legislature. IIThe report of the Pitometer Survey authorized by the Board was received. The report stated that about 20 per cent Pito- of the water being purchased by the Town was lost by leaks, meter valves? etc. The Supt. reported that all of the leaks had Survey. been fixed. 434 Supt. of Public taroks presented a list of places where tO large sums were paid for water used-as follows: - April 7, 1932.- Excess Water used by Large Consumers in ,1931 and Amounts paid for Same. Name Excess Water used Charges Buses Bros. 310,500 cu. ft. $588.90 P. Shanahan 87,520 " " 187.54 J. A. Sellars 180,590 " " 355.06 C. H. Cutler 25,550 " " 68.75 W. John Baskin 50,340 " " 120.62 Rd.) Swenson Bros. 173,640 " " 342.55 (Marrett Swenson Brcs. 73,250 " " 161.86 (Spring St.) Porter & Wilson 75,720 " " 168 .30 Breck-Robinson 30,850 " " 81.71 Russell House 63,850 " " 144.93 D.F. Hutchinson 121,090 " " 247.98 Wilson Bros. 153,400 " "- 315.62 Lester E. Smith 81,630 " " 176.93 First National Stores 64,530 " " 146.16 B. Rice 74,270 " " 163.70 He stated that the charge was $.30 a hundred for the first 10,000 cubic feet, $.25 for the next 20,000 cubic feet; $.20 for the next 20,000- cubic feet, and all over 50,000 cubic feet, $.M8. The Boardcnnsidered the matter and felt there should be a study made of the water rates in the Town to see if there was any way possible to reduce the rates. It was voted to grant an 0verhan6ing Sign License to Dominic Ross at 1789 Mass. Ave. The Supt. of Public Works reported in regard to the dynamite magazine that a magazine could be placed on the Public Works Dept. grounds and be in accordance with the regulations of the State Dept. of Public Safety. The Board considered having the magazine built by the unemployed. The Supt. felt that it would cost about $100. After considering the matter again, however, it was decided to have the one at the Almshouse repaired until such time as the Public Works Dept.grounas are definitely laid out so that the magazine, when constructed., will not have to be moved. The Chairman reported having attended the meeting before the Ways and Means Committee in regard to the Co .cord Avenue proposition. He stated that the proposition was that each town would pay on the actual cost which will be about 23 per cent of the cost of the damages,atid the damages will be as low as possible. He stated, however, that the new sales tax, if put Into operation, may wipe out any possibility of Concord Avenue being constructed at this time. 435 The Chairman reported that application has been made by Mr. Wm. Marshall for the Catholic Club for the East Lexington playground. He stated that inasmuch as the Application grounds at the playground had been recently seeded, that for use of he secured the use of the Library grounds and the Adams playground. School grounds for the Catholic Club in place of the playground. Bills were received from the April 19th and George Washington Celebration Committee, Mr. Ezra F. Breed, Bills from Chairman, in the amount of 5350.83. Mr. Breed intends Committee. to use the remaining t5O. appropriated some time in October. The Board considered the matter of unemployment relief and Yr. Custance presented a schedule of work to begin Unemploy- June 1st. Each item was discussed, the first item being ment the tearing down of the Town Farm buildi.ng:s. This item Relief. was discussed considerably and the question whether or not an injury occuring to any man on this work would entitle the party to bring suit against the Town and also the question of any insurance being provided arose It was decided to ask the Town Counsel for his opinion in regard to whether or not he felt that if persons were receiving aid mad were working out the aid, that they would have any comeback on the T awn. It was also decided to provide insurance for all of the employees, whether Welfare or not. Mr. O'Connell stated that Mr. Jesse Curra would take down 111 the Town farm barn; also that he would take all of the tools and equipment that were left in the building. The Supt . of Public Works reported that he had endeavored to sell the etgipment but could not get any bid. He felt that even as far back as Ver' ont they would not w ant to use any of this equipment. The Board felt that Mr. O'Connell should have a bill of sale made out and get at least $10. for the machinery and trucks and for the building so that the Town would hot have any responsibility when Mr. Curra takes down the building. John Sweeney, 63 Woburn Street, came before the Board and stated that he would like to get some work. He d d not have Unemploy- any work all winter and now his mother was sick and had not ment . been able to work for about three weeks , and he wanted some work to support her. The Board decided to give him some employment at the Public Works Building. Hearing was declared open on the Board's notice of Intention to lay out Downing Road' and Outlook Drive. Mr. Bradley spoke in regard to the acceptance of this street, calling attention to the terrible condition that._ihe street were in, saying that they were not fit for an ox cart to travel over. He called attent on to one time when he got stuck in the mud up to the axel of the car and Hearing, another man tried to pull him out and Mr. Allen had to come Downing down and pull the two of them out the street was in such a Rd. and deplorable condition. He stated that a great many of the Outlook owners had signed the petition for the acceptance of the Drive street. Some of those who signed have lots which are not as yet paid for. Mr. McIntosh has a majority of the lots 436 but the owners who will some day build upon the lots have signed and intend to have the street accepted. He felt that if the roads were constructed that the people who , owned the lots would also be more willing to build and the Town would benefit by the additional assessed value of the property. Mr. McIntosh stated that he has sixteen lots in his name and he could show by his records that about 75 per cent are not payin` anything to him on the lots at all. He has the burden of paying the taxes and the interest. He called attention to the paper circulated stating that the improvement would cost at least $200 for each lot, and even it it were spread over a period of 10 years plus the interest of six per cent, it would cost him considerable . He stated that this was the first time he had ever had to borrow money to pay his taxes. He is paying over $30000. to the Town in addition to the water rates . It was a queston of the times that he did not sign for the betterment. He called attention also to some of the other towns that do not charge 100 per cent betterment -and he felt that the Town of Lexington should make a change in the charge. If it was an ordinary year, he would be willing to sign for the bettdrment . He called attention to the fact that there were not 75 per cnet of the owners signatures on these papers inasmuch as several of the persons who signed are not owners of the lots as yet. Mr. McIntosh called attention to the fact that the signatures of these people would not be legal inasmuch as -bite betterment assessment wo,.ld be assessed to him as owner of the property. He called attention, also, to the fact that there warelmnew houses erected on Prospect Hill Rd,afteitthe street had been constructed, He was informed that there were two two houses being erected this spring. The following people registered themselves in favor of these streets being accepted:- George J. and Mable B. Tessier, Eleanor Lowell, Ovila & Maude Hamel, Mildred Bradley, Anita Williams , Hubert Durling, Larry Allen, Edward P. Fitch, Jessie M. Ware, William P . Brenan,Mary L. Archibald, Irving W. and Viola Yelland, Norman and Edith B. Snowden, Clifford Baker and Francis McNally. The owner of lots 181 and 182 on Downing Road at the corner of Outlook Drive questioned about the assessment on these lots. The Town Engineer informed him that he would be assessed on Downing Rd. and there was also another assessment on Outlook Drive. He did not believe that this was a' fair adaestmenty 'butctheiTbwn Engineer dt.ttormedc- him that this was the way the Town Counsel advised property owners on corner lots be assessed. Questions were asked by Mr. Riley and Mrs. Archibald in regard to how the assessments were figured . The Town Engineer .axplained that the figures including drainage usually ran from $6. to $8. per foot and this job figured slightly lower than that including the drainage. He also stated that the road would carry very heavy traffic when finished. Mr. McNally stated that he fait that the Town was more or less liable to fix the road owing to the fact that in the spring conditions were so bad that a fire engine could not get in there. Mr. Ware also spoke in favor of the acceptance of the street and also Mr. Allan inquired if the street did not go through for acceptance if the Town would fix it up so that it would be in a passable condition. He was informed, however, that the Town could not go in on a private street. 437 The hearing adjourned at 8 50 P.M. Mr. Wm. G. Potter, representing the Lexington Athletic Association came before the Board in reL--ird to the sale of tonics on the playground. He stated that heretofore, the Supt. of Parks has let one man ,,o in there and sell tonics and this man was an out-of-town man. The Athletic Assoc ation desired t: have the privileLe of selling tonics at the high school games and the Minuute-Boy: games , the money to be put back into tie Association. They would not sell on occasions that were for some public purpose. They desired to have two of their men ap oirted as Special Police officers to do this work. The Board voted to grant permission for the sale of tonic by the Athletic Association. Mr. Potter also desired to get a permit to erect bleachers on the playground. He stated that the Association could erect a stand for the sum of $300. and he asked that an article Grand be inserted in the Warrant to appropriate this money. The Staid. stand would seat about 260 people. The Board voted to insert an article in the Warrant to reimburse the Lexington Athletic Association for this expenditure for batlachers 96 feet long . Mr. Joseph Vitale came before the Board and asked that something be done about giving him more work. ne stated that Unemploy he still has $45.18 and interest to pay on his taxes and he ment . has been unable to pay it. Mr. Benjamin Santosuosso came before the Board to see if some work could be given to him. Mr. Norman Pero left work that he also would like some work. Mr. Custance was requested to bring in information in regard to the cost of a tractor for the next meeting. Mr. Custance stated that he felt that if work was to be done with the unemployed on brooks, that some work of real value should be done and it could not be done without a trenching machine. He felt that the work done now, throwing the debris out of the brook onto the sides, while it helps, is not of real value inasmuch as the heavy rains would wash Brook the debris back into the brook again . When the work is done by a trench machine, it is dumped further away from the sides of the brook and the stones may be removed. Mr. O'Connell called attention to the forms used by the Police Dent. for releasing prisoners. He stated also that these forms were signed by minors and that the parents should be bought in to sign the forms; that the forms were not proper and that at some time, suit might be brought against the Town. The persons discharged are not asked to state that Police they were guilty before heinr- discharged. He felt that the forms . Town Counsel should provide the proper forms for the Department. Supt. of Public Works was requested to have the Engineering work done at the Public Works Dept. in connection Public with the layout of the property. Wks.prop- erty. 438 Supt. ' s . attention was called to the condition of the kiPlk Sidewalk. concrete sidewalk in front of Bennett ' s.tore. The Board acting as a Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners signed an order for the installation of a Order. sewer in Vine -St. from Woburn Street at the Boston & Maine R. R. to a point 300 feet northeasterly, and to assess betterments to Delia Mulvey in the sum of $450.00; The meeting adjourned at 11:33 P.M. A true record, Attest: Clerk.