HomeMy WebLinkAbout1932-09-13'534
SELECTMEN 13 MEETING
SEPT. 13, 1932.
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, Gilcreast, Ferguson and O'Connell were
present. The Supt, of Public Works and the Clerk were also
present,- Mr. Custan ce arrived at 9:45 P.M.
Letter was received from Mr. and Mrs. Seipione of
Scipione 295 Bedford Street in regard to paying their water bill
water bill. They stated that they had nine in the family and two of
the sons have been out of work all summer, and he had just
statred to work. They asked for a little time and they
would then pay the bill.
The Board decided to allow one of the sons to work
out the water billi.
Letter was received from Mrs.. Arthur B. Field in which
Dental she tendered her resignation as a mbmber of the Dental
'Clinic Clinic Committee to take effect immediately,
Committee. The Board voted to appoint -Mrs. William G, Potter
of Walnut Street to fill the vacancy.
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Letter was received from Russell I. Prentiss is which
he called attention to the complaint from the proprietor
of the Minute -Man Cafe relative to the water. coming up
Stores in
through the ground at the rear of his restaurant. He had
center*
notmade his investigation.
He stated, however, that he had mads inspection of
the stores:in the canter of the town and had. the rubbish
all cleaned up except what accumulates from day to day.
Letter was received from the Health Inspector in
regard to the complaint Wim' Meas' Chei+Ie .=+ f 113Ti akortA-�e.
Complaint
about the odor of guinea pigs owned by Mr, MacDonald of
re
Banks Avenue. He stated that Mrs. Cheney did not want
guinea
anything done about the complaint as conditions were
pigs,
satisfactory.
Letter was received from the Health Inspector in regard
to the complajnt about August Young. He reported that he
found twelve large hogs, 48 goats and some sheep on Mr.
Young's place. The garbage was fed from the ground. He
also saw a new building being constructed for a sheep
house, He -also found a separate pen of 11 pigs in a small
yard where the garbage was soted in an open box and spilled
around on the ground. The odor from this pen was very
objectionable. These hogs belonged to Mike Stack of
Arlington. He told him he would have to get rid of the
pigs and he recommended that a notice be sent to him to get
rid of the pigs and clean up the premises.
Mr. Trask reported that Mr. Stack came to him and asked
that he be allowed to keep the pigs until the winter and than
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he would get rid of them inasmuch as he was raising them
for his own purpose.
The Board agreed to allow him to keep the pigs .
temporarily.
In regard to August Young, it was decided that he
should be notified to apply for a permit to keep bigs.
Letter was received from the Health Inspector relative
to the complaint of Mrs. Snee of the outdoor privy on
property at 29 Cottage Street owned by Sebastian Colentropo Complaint
of 31 Cottage Street. He recommended that Mr. Colentropo re privy
be notified to connect with the sewer and discontinue the
use of the outdoor privy.
After considering the matter, the Board voted to
instruct Mr, Colentropo that they would givd him until
one month from date of notice to connect with the sewer and
discontinue the use of,the privy at 29 Cottage Street.
Petition was received from the residents of.Locust
Avenue and vicinity protesting against the condition of the
street after heavy rain. They complained that the surface
water from Locust Avenue, Robbins Road and the Tower Street
development accumulates on the level stretch of -Locust -
Avenue and covers both the street and sidewalk and over-
flows on private property, and when the water subsides,
the street and sidewalk are left dry and coated with mud,
creating a nuisance. They requested that permanent drainage
be installed to remedy this condition.
Supt, of Public Works was requested to look into the
situation and report to the Board,
Letter was received from the Supt. of the Water Dept,
in which he stated that Mr,.Joseph.Merreno applied for an
extension of 140 feet of 6" pipe in Avon Street from Myrtle
Street in a westerly direction. He estimated the coat at
$1100
Supt, of Public Works presented a plan showing the
proposed extension, and after considering the matter, the
Bogrd voted to su thorize the extension of this water main.
Locust
Avenue
drainage.
Water
Extension
:.The Health 'Inspector reported having investigated the
complaint of Mrs. Clarence Mason, 500 Marrett Road, who.
Complaint
objected to her neighbors burning refuse and stated that
re
he talked with Mrs. Lawson and finds that she has"discontin-
Burning
ued the practice of burning garbage..
refuse.
The Inspectof reported having investigated the conditions
at the house renteriby Mrs. William Mason, 447 Mass. Ave.,
and owned by Joseph Busconi, 40 Quimby Street, Watertown,
and recommended that he be notified to clean up the cellar
Mason
complaint
and leave it in a sanitary condition. The Board decided
to send a notice to that effect,
The matter of damages to the Vandepwoude property
on Tucker Avenue was laid over for one week.
Vanderwoude
It was decided also to request the Town Engineer to
claim.
take some pictures of the situation,
Petition was received from the residents of.Locust
Avenue and vicinity protesting against the condition of the
street after heavy rain. They complained that the surface
water from Locust Avenue, Robbins Road and the Tower Street
development accumulates on the level stretch of -Locust -
Avenue and covers both the street and sidewalk and over-
flows on private property, and when the water subsides,
the street and sidewalk are left dry and coated with mud,
creating a nuisance. They requested that permanent drainage
be installed to remedy this condition.
Supt, of Public Works was requested to look into the
situation and report to the Board,
Letter was received from the Supt. of the Water Dept,
in which he stated that Mr,.Joseph.Merreno applied for an
extension of 140 feet of 6" pipe in Avon Street from Myrtle
Street in a westerly direction. He estimated the coat at
$1100
Supt, of Public Works presented a plan showing the
proposed extension, and after considering the matter, the
Bogrd voted to su thorize the extension of this water main.
Locust
Avenue
drainage.
Water
Extension
1536 �
Morang
water
bill.
The Chairman reported that William F. Morang of
Highland Avenue has not paid his water rates for five quar-
ters.
It was felt that the family operated twoautomobiles
and although they may be in needy circumstances., it was
felt -that they should pay the water bill or have it shut
off.
The Board therefor voted to have the water shut off.
In regard to the claim of We Benjamin C, Mead
versus the Town of Lexington, it was decided to instruct
Meady the Town Counsel to proceed to protect the interests of
claim, the Town and also to file interrogatories so that the
Sewer.,
Edwards
property,
Board may know the specific claim of the plaintiff and when
he receives the answer to communicate with the•Board.
• The Chairman reported that Mr. Custance called him
in regard to the condition of the cesspool at the cement
house at 59 Bedford Street owned by Florence Me Edwerds,
Mrs Custance Informed him that he had pumped out the
cesspool three or four times and it has backed up into
the plumbing and there seems to be no relief except to
connect with the sewer.
Letter was received from Mr.Ross in which he stated
that the estimated cost of extending the 8" sewer in
Bedford.Streeta distance of 300 -feet to provide the sewer
for the• Edwards property would.be $2400. He stated that
there was a balance in the sewer construction account of
$2600*20 and that this work could be done out of that funds
Mrs Ross and Mrs Cosgrove also appeared before the
Board to discuss the matter, Mr. Ross stated that the
land in back of the Edwards house was low and wet and
.they would not -be able to,take care of -the sewage by a
cesspool and the house was so near the street there was
no other place to build a cesspool in the front of the
house.
Mr. Cosgrove advised that a 10" pipe be put in to
connect with the ten inch pipe that is there now rather
than the eight inch. He also stated that he estimated
the cost of the sewer in the Shirley Street district as
$16*5004 although it might be done for much less* He
stated that there would have to be some sort of a pumping
arrangement that would make the cost of this constructicn
highs At the present time with the estimate of $2400.,
four connections could be taken care of. It was under-
stood that Mr. McCarthy was ready to make the connection
and that his fixtures were connected as far as the street,
The Board considered the condition at the property
of Florence Me Edwards a health menace and voted that the
,condition was an emergency and under authority of Chap,
83,, Section 1,A,and Statute 1895.,,Chapter 54 and Acts in
amendment thereof of the General Laws, voted to pass the
following order to construct the sewer in Bedford Street:
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MIDDLESEX, as, TOWN OF LEXINGTON
The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lexington,,
acting as a Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners under
the authority conferred upon them by General Laws, Chapter
83, Sec. 1 and by Statute 1897, Chapter 504 and Acts in
amendment thereof and in addition thereto and by virtue
of every other power them thereunto enabling, do hereby
lay out a main drain and common ~ewer in Bedford Street,
Lexington, beginning at the present end of the sewer in
Bedford Street, said end being northwesterly and distant
about 1510 feet from -the northwesterly line of Elm Avenue,
thence northwesterly distant about 300 feet, substantially
in accordance with a plan made by John T. Cosgrove, Town
Engineer, dated September 14, 1932 and entitled "Plan of
Proposed Sewer in Bedford Street, Lexington, Mass., Scale
l in - 40 ft., September 14, 1932, John T. Cosgrove, Town
Engineer,"and.order that the same be constructed of 10"
Vitrified Clay Pipe for a distance of 300 feet.
Betterments will be assessed for thisimprovement
in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 221 of the
Acts of 1926
The area which it is expected will receive benefit
or advantage other than the general advantage to the
community from such improvement is described as follows-
. That portion of those properties on each side of
Bedford Street.
The said area comprises the several lots shown upon
the plan hereinbefore referred to which are designated in
the schedale hereto annexed and made a part hereof,
go estimate the betterments that will be assessed
upon each parcel of land to be as shown in the schedule
which is hereto annexed and made a part hereof.
Witness our hands at Lexington aforesaid this
thirteenth play of September, 1932.
Robert P. Trask, Selectmen
Theodore A, Custance og
John E. Gilereast Town
Charles E. Ferguson of
Daniel J. O'Connell. Lexington,
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, as, Town of Lexington
September 13, 1932.
Then personally appeared the above named Robert P.
Trask, Theodore A. Custance, John E. Gilcreast, Charles
E. Ferguson and Daniel J. O'Connelland severally acknow-
ledged the foregoing instrument and statement by them
subscribed to be their free act and deed and the free
act and deed of the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners
of .the Town of Lexington; Before me,
William S. Seamman,
Notary Public
A true copy of the records,
Attest:
Helen C. Whittemore
Clerk, Selectmen.
mP0FORD STREET SEWER
Owner as of Arr.1.1932 Lot No. Sq. Ft. Assessment
Theodore A. & Howard E.
Custance A 7500 $115.00
Theodore A. & Howard E.
Custance B 7500 $115.00
Alice T.
McCarthy
C
24120
$365000
Florence
E. Edwards
D
7250
$110.00
Euphemia
Brown
E
7490
$115.00
The Board voted to instruct the Supt. of the Water
and Sewer Dept. to make a survey and bring in a report arae
week from tonight of the conditions in regard to cesspools and
the necessity of a sewer in the Shirley Street section,
including also the Hill Street section.
In regard to the Board's inquiry relative to ad-
vertising applications for garage licenses, letter was
received from the State Fire Marshall in which he stated
Garage that in accordance with�Chapter 399 of the Acts of 1930,
licenses* no building or other structure shall be used as a garage
unless the local licensing -authority shall have granted
a license therefdr after a public hearing. This also
requires publication in the newspaper and notice to the
abutting property owners before the hearing is held.
Commitment of street betterment charges for Smith Ave,,
Commitment Independence Ave. Tucker Ave., and Crescent Hill Ave.,
in the amount of .10,436.33 was signed by the Board.
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The Chairman reported that he talked with Mr. Earle Collect -
in regard to keeping his office open noon hour and arranged or's
' with him to keep the collectors' office open at that time, Office.
Mr. Lawrence G. Mitchell came before the Board, and
also Mr. Geore Styglesof Oak Street who asked that his
son be given three days work on the Town. The Board informed
him that they did not have any Town employment, but if
he would make application for Unemployment Relief, the
Board would then consider sending his son to work. He
stated that he had seven children and he was only working
three days a week himself. He has not paid last years
taxes as yet.
Mr. Mitchell reported having received application
from Warren Grant, Farmcrest Avenue. No action was taken
on the application.
He also had application from Mrs. Pasquale Moretti
for more work for her husband to work out the water bill.
No action was taken on this request.
Request was received from Mr. George J. Balduf for
four days work. It *as reported that the bank intended
to take over the Balduf house on Monday and other
arrangements would have to be made in this case.
It was therefor decided 'not to give him any
additional assistance.
Mr. Mitchell reported that he had received application
from Maurice Sears of Arlington fot Soldiers Relief. He
had been gran ted Soldiers Relief in the amount of $163,
in the past. He purchased a truck from the Somerville
Sales Service Station and while working on this truck he
was injured, and his wife is also to be confined. There-
for, he being unable to work, he was in need of assistance.
Mr. OtConnell stated that Mr. Sears had been to him
and he thought from his condition that he appeared to be
.able to work.
After considering the matter, the Board informed
Mr. Mitchell that if Mr. Sears wanted aid he should work,
In regard to Alexius Smith who was given temporary Unemploy-
Mr. Mitchell
work, was asked to get more information in went
regard to the truck said to be owned by Mr. Smithis relief
brother-in-law, and how much income he received from his and
cleansing business. Welfare.
In regard to Mr. J, Ernest Armstrongts daughter
living with him, it was felt that this case should be treated
as a separate case.
It was decided therefor to take two days from Mr.
Armstrong and give two days work to Gordon W.'Jaoobsen,
son-in-law, and notify the City of Boston.
Mr. Mitchell reported having received application
from Warren Grant, Farmcrest Avenue. No action was taken
on the application.
He also had application from Mrs. Pasquale Moretti
for more work for her husband to work out the water bill.
No action was taken on this request.
Request was received from Mr. George J. Balduf for
four days work. It *as reported that the bank intended
to take over the Balduf house on Monday and other
arrangements would have to be made in this case.
It was therefor decided 'not to give him any
additional assistance.
Mr. Joseph Corselli, Ward Street, also applied for
more time. He now receives two days. It was decided ,
not to give him any more time
In regard to Constantino Alberto, 50 Harding Road,
Mr. Mitchell stated that he had sent him to Somerville
for Soldiers Relief and he had not heard anything further
from him.
William Dal rymple, Hayes Lane, after working for
Mr. Custanee, reported back for work. The Board decided.
not to give him any at the present time.
In regard to the application of George Forbes of
1232Crescent Hill Ave., Mr. Mitchell reported that he
has a" little money in the bank and his taxes are paid mid
Ne did not believe they needed help just at present. No
assistance was granted.
Mr. J. J. Hurley of Vine Brook Road applied for
Unemp�oy- employment. His son is contributing $10. a week and he
ment would like a janitor l s' position if possible. No' action
Relief was taken on this application.
and
Welfare. In regard to the"application of Thomas Robinson of
Hamblen Street, Mr. Mitchell rero'rted that he worked
92 hours for Mr. Hubbell and he asked for employment from ,
the Town inasmuch as he could not get any other work
oustide.
The Board voted to allow him two days a week.
In regard to Sebastiano lodice, the Board stated
that he would return to work on the Water Department
tomorrow and there would be no need'of assistance for
him immediately.
Mr. Mitchell reported that Mrs. John Hawley stated
that her husband had not been turning in his money to
support his family. Mr. Mitchell was to talk with Mr.
Hawley and inform him that no further aid would be given
him unless he used the money to support his family.
Application was received from Guy Franceschelli of
Grapevine Avenue who has ten children. Mr. Franceschelli
worked for the Shaw estate in Belmont for 22 years. He
was unable to work, and his soh was allowed to work in his
place but was only paid $10. a week. He had a mortgage
of $4000. and a second mortgage of $1000. on his property.
He ownes a ti?uck that he uses to go back and forth to
work with. He had to drop his insurance and only one of
his children is working a day or two at the Hood Rubber
Co. in addition to the $10, a week. He therefor endeavored
to sell some vegetables from his garden, but was unable
to do so. From the record it appeared to be a Belmont
case, and it was suggested that Mr. Mitchell take the
matter up with the Town of Belmont.
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In regard to the Charles A. Stevens family, Mr.
Mitchell reported that after considerable work endeavoring
to make arrangements, he arranged to have them move into
a house in back of (bus Young's place on Laconia Street,
and the rent would be'$28. per month. The State Dept,
authorized the payment of rent up to $30, a month and the
Canadian Club agreed to furnish light, fuel and dl.othing
and agreed to stand a statement confirming this to him.
Mr, Mitchell also stated that he visited Mr. Scott of the
Ice Co. and Mr. Scott told him that his wife and himself
boarded with the Stevens' for two weeks and paid them
$10. a week. He also reported that he asked Mrs. Stevens
whether or not she had ever thought of taking any boarders Welfare
and she said she had not. cases.
In regard to the case of Mrs. Henry J. Atkins,
Mr. Mitchell reported that Mr. Robinson who has Mr.
Atkins in charge under parole, talked with him about the
case and Mrs. Atkins had been examined at the Middlesex
County Hospital and had a Tubercular condition although
the hospital did not advise treatment immediately. The
Child Guardianship Fivision still have some supervision
over her child and Dr. Hardcastle felt that the woman
was exposing the child to her condition and that she
should receive sanatorium treatment.' Mr. Mitchell was
' to urge that the woman go to a sanatorium for treatment
and the man and boy could then be taken care of after she
had gone.
Mrs, Margaret Jackson came before the Board to
outline her project. She stated that about three years
ago she took some girls down to a dancing party at the
high school and she found that 85% of the girls were
wallflowers and she felt there must be something wrong about
the situation. When she became President of the Parent- Mrs. Jack -
Teachers Association, she endeavored to interest boys son re
and girls in music. She later started the group chorus young
and she felt that if she continued her ideas that she people.
might interest and uplift young men and women of the
Town. In her duties, she Bound in talking with the teachers
that the situation in the schools was serious and that the
young girls and boys after the school dances stay out
until two and Five o'clock in the morning. She had
heard from outsiders that the moral standard of the Town
was poor andher purpose was to do this work, join in with
other organizations and perhaps take up where the Recreation
Committee work stops and bring the young people together
for the winter months. She stated that she has worked with
youngmen to find out what their possibilities were and
tried to place them in the right position to develope
their possibilities.
-The Chairman suggested she communicate with the
Lexington Community Recreation Association to get their
ideas along these lines and perhaps she could get cooperation
from this organization.
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The Board also assured her of their cooperation with
her in her efforts.
The weekly report of the Supt. of Public Works was
received.
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.;4,
A true record, attest:
Clerk.
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