Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1932-12-27110 W SELECTMEN'S MEETING �C DECEMBER 27. 1932. ' A regulard meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 P.M. Messrs, Trask, Custa n ce, Gilereast, Ferguson and OtConnell were present. The Supt. of Public Works and the Clark were also presant. Mr. James S. Smith, Mr, Randall Houghton and Mrs. C. Edward Glynn, the School Committee; Mr. Grindle, Supt. of Schools, Mr, Robert H. Holt, representing Miss Ellen A. Stone, and Town Counsel, Sydney R. Wrightington., came before the Board to discuss the matter of use of the Old Adams School for the Lexington Recreation Association for a club room Old Adams for the Boys. Mr. Houghton explained that Miss Stone seems School to remember that the property was granted to the town for school purposes and that there was no deed furnished as far as she can recall and no town meeting vote. Mr. Wrightington stated that Mr. Garmon talked with Miss Stone for him and her recollection then seemed to be somewhat different. Mrs. Glynn stated that she personally talked with Miss Stone and was informed by her that her family merely allowed the town to build there. She could remember the building and went to school there when she was five years old. Mr. Holt ' felt that that must be at least 75 years ago: Mr. Wrightington stated that Mr. Garmon remembered the building that was first built was farther backtthan this present building, and he went there to school. Mr. Worthen also thinks that a previous building'was located father down the street. From the old deeds Mr. Wrightington thought it might be a part of the Thaddeus Munroe property. The School Committee felt that the Selectmen should handle the matter of allowing the use of the building for this purpose rather than their department inasmuch as it was not for a school purpose. They felt they wouldnever use the building for any purpose except in case of a fire in the new building, but that the town should hold the property for future use. If the town ceases to use it for school house purposes and it is not stated that it should revert to the original owner, Counsel advised that the town -kould get it by adverse possession. It might be registered also or by spending a good deal, the title might be looked up. Counsel advised that he did not believe the Selectmen should allow the use of the building unless a vote of the town was passed. Mr. Custa nce felt that nothing should be done against the wishes of Miss Stone inasmuch as she was a good citizen and had done a great deal for the town. , Mr. Holt was requested to communicate with Miss Stone to find out if she would object to the title being registered and explain to her the use for trhich the building was requested and find out what her desires are in the matter. Mr. Houghton explained that the school committee met ' with some opposition when the request came for the use of the building by Mr. Towne who lives on the adjoining prop- erty. The Committee probably would have granted the use of the building had it not been for this objection, but now they are ready to relinquish their rights to the Selectmen, Hearing was declared open upon the application of Helen P. and Daniel L, Cronin for permission to locate a one car garage of wooden construction at 1 Spencer Street, Mr, Cronin appeared and explained the location of the garage on the plot plan. No persons appeared to object and it was voted to grant the permit subject to the approval of the building Inspector, Hearing was declared open upon the application of Colwell Brothers for permission to maintain a one car garage of wooden construction at 143 Bedford Street. Dor, Colwell appeared and presented the plot plan showing the intended location of the building. No persons appeared against and it was voted to grant the permit subject to the approval of the Building, In spector. Cronin Garage Garage, Colwell Town Counsel reported that he talked with Judge North- rup relative to the Vanderwoude case. He also had a talk with ' with Wilbur people relative to values and was unable to get any evidence. The town has no photographs of the condition of the street before the acceptance. He viewed the con- dition of the property with the Town Engineer and felt that there was at least ten feet that would have to be filled, Vander - and he felt a jury looking at the property would allow Woude case. damages. Dir. Northrup stated that he would accept the abatement of the betterment and $350. for damages, and Counsel advised that the case be settled on this basis. After considering the matter, it was voted to authorize the Town Counselto settle on this basis. Pasteurization of Milk License was granted to the Milk Fair Oaks Dairy of 9 Sheridan Street, the date of expiration License being Jan. 19, 1933, Hairdressing, Manicuring, Massage License was granted Hairdress- to Helen E. Lawson to do business within the limits of the ing Lie. Town. State Aid return in the amount of $6* was approved by State Did, the Board, Application to peddle fuel and range oils was approved Peddlers for Philip A. Nelles and Son of 15 Maple Street, Lexington. License. ' Letter was received from the Board of Appeals in which the Chairman, Mr. Maddison, stated that the Board of Appeals Bd, of would need $200 for their department. The Board voted to Appeals. approve this sum and to so advise the Appropriation Committee. 112 The Supt. of Public Works reported that the town'paid various bills for members of departments to belong to Milk associations, inclusive of the Selectmenls'fees for that Inspector association, Library, Planning Board, School Dept., Public Dues. Welfare, Town Clerk and Water Department. It was therefore voted to pay the bill for the dues of Russell I. Prentiss, Milk Inspector. Letter was received from Calvin W. Childs in which he stated that he did not believe that he should have two alcohol permits for 389 and 409 Mass. Avenue inasmuch'as the property is all one establishment and joined together, although the street numbers are diff erenb. The Town Counsel enclosed copy of letter he had written to the Dept. of Public Works relative to the sign the Donnelly Advertising Company attempted to put on the Gavin property this past week. Mrs. Wm. P. Herbert called the office and reported the sign being put up and the Building Inspector communicated with the Donnelly Advertising Company and was informed that they had a permit. The Dept. of Public Works issued a permit which was presented at the Selectmen's Billboard. Office, although that department informed Mr. Custance that no permit had been issued. Some time ago Town Counsel, Senator Cotton and Representative Burnham appeared before the Dept. of Public Works and they stated that they would not grant any permits without first informing the geleetmen. In talking with the Advertising Dept, at the State House they stated that they did not recall any such promise; therefore the Counsel notified them in writing. Attorney James E. Doughty of Boston came before the Board at the Board's request relative to the injuries alleged to have occurred to Mrs. Bessie L. Chapman. He stated that information had reached him since writing the letter that as far as bringing suit was concerned they were out of luck on accouht of the notice relative to the accident. However he thought that the Board should do something if Chapman possible inasmuch as the sidewalk was in a deplorable dondition case, and the next day was fixed by the town, after Mr. Chapman had called Mr. Trask and told him. Since September the doctor did not allow the woman to do anything until three weeks ago when she gave birth to a child and is still in bbd. During that period the man had to pay a woman $6. per week to care forhis wife and three children. The man is employed at Field+s garage and this was considerable expense to him. Dr. Piper made two visits to the woman when she was firat injured, but Dr. Pyle was the regular physician attending the woman at the time of the confinement, and he says that there is a broken bone in the right wrist and in all probability after having an X-ray she will have to have an operation. This extra expense has LJ 1 r� 113 the man in the hole. In all probability if conditions were right there would be a good damage suit against the town, but not being able to recover any of the loss in this manner he felt that the Board should give the case just consideration. The Chairman stated that after talking with Dr. Piper and Dr. Pyle, this was news about the broken wrist. No action was taken on the matter. Mr. Thomas Doherty of 64 Farmerest Avenue came before the Board and stated that he would like to obtain some sort of work. His money was gone and his wife was ill and he would have to have something to do. Doherty The Chairman informed him that there were no jobs employment on the town except on the Unemployment Relief. He did not want to go on Unemployment Relief as yet. William J. Dailey of Marrett Road came before the Board in reference to obtaining a permit to slaughter on the Ddfelici property on Mellex Road off Westview Street. He stated that he inl-ended to rent the property and use the building that is located there now after fixing it up. Slaughte As far as the work of inspection was concerned, he would pay License, for any extra cost. He would not haul garbage inasmuch as the slaughtering would be done soon after the pigs were brought on the premises. ' It was felt that the Board had no right to grant a permit inasmuch as this is a residential district and to grant a permit would be allowing the establishment of a budiness.' The Supt. of Public Works was requested to view the Ryddr Ryder place on Waltham Street to ascertain whether of not pigs. any pigs are being kept. Mr. O'Connell presented Sale Agreement and Reliease of Damages relative to the sale of the buildings on the Town Bale Farm property. The Supt. of Public Works was requested to Agreement. complete the transaction and collect the money, namely $10 for the Building and $1.00 for release. Information was obtained that the charged of $25, by Dr. Towle was for setting the broken wrist of Clarence Broken' Bentley who hurt himself while cranking one of the fire wrist department trucks. Letter was received from the Planning Board in which Sewer they stated that they were taking up the matter of sewer Rentals rentals. Letter was received from the Planning Board in reference ' to the use of engineering services of engineers now employed by the Emergency Planning and Research Bureau, Inc. They advised that large areas be mapped out in advance of sewer and street developments. 114 Engineer- ing. Wood Street. The Chairman reported that he talked with the Town Engineer and as near as could be found out only one man of the three Lexington men now employed by the Emergency Planning and Research Bureau, Inc. was capable of handling a crew. Alfred Hayward could be employed at $12, per week for four days, using one regulab engineering department man and transferring a roadman from the unemployment relief who make one crew. Williams could also be used in another group and in this way the records would be kept by the men in the regular employ of the town. The Board approved of this manner of handling the work. Information was received from the Supt. of Public Works showing expenditure on Wood Street of $11699.95 up to December 24, 1932. He also stated that 677 days work was also done by the Unemployed on Wood Street in installing drainage, removing and rebuilding stone walls, cutting trees and brush, burning brush and cleaning the roadsides. Mr. Custance explained that the Supt. had charged in to this work that had not been done on Wood Street inasmuch as he did not have any money in the Highway Maintenance Depdrtment and that when this money is charged out to that department there will be sufficient to finish the job properly. Mr. Ferguson melt that the work which was now being done should be completed and the rest of the road made passable inasmuch as he did not believe there would be money enough to finish the job property. After discussing the matter it was felt that the road should be made passable but no further action was taken. The Chairman reported that he talle d with Dr. Shannon Health relative to the Health Regulations and Dr. Shannon was of Regula- the opinion that the regulations had been adopted and printed. tions However, as long as they have not he would be glad to go over them and submit his report. The Chairman reported conference with the Chief of Police relative to the use of his car. The Chief agreed not to Police take any more gasoline for his car, but htated further that car he would personally be unable to run a car without being paid for the use of it. He stated that his car was available for the use of the other officers for police work at any time. He agreed that the efficiency of the department would be increased by having another car but he felt that it would cost the town more money. Lecture Trees The Chairman reported that a Mr. Freeman whose business is lecturing to develop interests in New England is to make pictures including pictures of the Town of Lexington. He is preparing as his subject the "Mohawk Trail" and he desired the use of Cary Memorial Hall at a reduced charge. It was felt that there will be some advantage to the Town from the publicity and it was decided to allow the use of the Hall for $25. on January 25, 1933 for the lecture. The Supt. of Public Works was requested to have the apple trees on the Almshouse property cut down. L 115 The Chairman reported that the Town of Needham saved $3000 to $4000 on their electric light bill after having a ' committee survey all of the streets in the town and made recommendations for changes in the lighting. The Supt, reported thgt Lexington had 1088 lights in the town. Street Mr. Gilcreast offered to make a report to the Board in lights. 60 days if he had the funds to cover the expense. Some of the members felt that the Board should make a tour of the town and present their own recommendations. In the meantime Mr. Gilcreast agreed to communicate with the town of Needham officials to obtain further information than that in the new item the Chairman presented, and report back to the Board next week. On motion offered by Mr. Ferguson and amended by Mr. Custance it was "Voted that a Committee be appointed by the Chairman Water of the Board to investigate the Water Distribution System rates of the Town and its finances and make recommendation on the possible reduction of water rates." The Selectmen met with the Committee on Fire Sites. Nr, Hallie C. Blake, Mr. Albert H. Burnham, Mr. John Devine, and Chief Taylor were present. Dr. Barnes was also present to view the plan made by the Town Engineer showing the buildings now located upon the Town Office Building and Cary Memorial lot and also cards drawn to scale showing how Dr. Barnes' house could be placed upon the remaining lot if the Town purchased a part of his property for a new fire station. It also showed how the fire station itself could be located upon the lot. Mr. Blake felt that Dr. Barnes should state how much frontage he desired to sell, but the doctor felt that the Board should state how much they wanted to purchase. Committee Mr. Taylor felt that they could possibly get along on with ten feet less frontage than originally planned and still fire site leave the doctor room enough to locate his house and give him room enough to construct his garage. Mr. Blake felt.that some agreement should be drawn up stating ghat Dr. Barnes would sell for with a time'limit to expire after the Town Meeting to complete the negotiations. He felt that it would be a wise thing to purchase the property and hold it for a future date when the fire station could be built, but he did not know whether or not that would pass the Town Meeting. He did feel, however, that a report should be made to the Town giving the recommendations of the Committee. The matter of Dr. Barnes remaining upon the property was discussed and Mr. Devine felt that he could remain on the property and pay rent based on the proportion of the taxes. The doctor felt, however, that he would much rather sell out and get his money and move the house. ' On motion of Mr. Custance, it was voted to appoint Mr. Blake and Mr, Devine a sub -committee to bring in the report to the Board of the recormendations of the Committee to be submitted later to the Town Meeting. 116 Moretti work. Mr. Blake read from the would sell 145 feet frontage to the ra ilrodd. The Doctor frontage, that would give him however, that he did nota want but he wanted to remain there undisturbed. n 0-c proposal of Dr. Barnes that he on Mass. Avenue extending back , felt that if he did sell this sufficient. He explained, to sell his property at all and carry on his business The meeting disolved with the understanding that when Mr. Blake and Mr. Devine are ready to report, another meeting will be called. Sam Moretti of 80 Bow Street came before the Board and requested that he be given work to assist his family and pay water bills, tax bills, and poll tax bills. Mr. Mitchell reported when he made the arrangements about paying rent of Peter Scopa of $22, per month and for Joseph Moretti of $18, per month and he was removed from the Tinemployment Relief list, that he had straightened out the assistance to be given to this family. It appears the Moretti's have four rents in addition to their own rent which bring in $90 per month. He stated that he had not had any work except to work out a bill that he owed. No action was taken on giving him any work. In regard to the application of Bertram B. Carter, 7 Sunnyknoll Avenue, he lived in a house owned by Mr. O'Nowd of Bedford and has not paid any rent for six months. The Carter St. Vincent de Paul Society has been aiding to food, clothing, coal and wood and they felt that it was a worthy case: The family consists of two children.. twelve and 'eight years of age. The rent is $25. per month. The man has been out of work for approximately one year. The Board voted to allow aid to $9. per week. Application was received from Walter L. Hunt, Fremont Hunt Street, who lives with his mother Mrs. Fred Burgess.- This application was lAid over for further information. In regard to the application of Alvin Stanbrook, 42 Cliffe Avenue, the man lives with his son work works -for the Burroughs Adding Machine Co. and is now getting $24. per Stanbrook week. He has a wife and two children, and pays $40. a month rent. His father worked as a cigar -maker, making hand -made ciagrs, but machinery has put him out of work. He is 55 years old and has his wife with him. The man stated that he wanted to work for what he lot, and it was decided to give him aid in the amount of 6. per week. The man has no settlement in Lexington. In regard to Edward J. Lacey, 36 Rindge Avenue, who lives with Alexins Smith, he is sixty years of agd. He has Lacey one brother living in Boston. He is a relative cif Mr. Smith's wife and has been living there sharing what the Smith's had to give. Mr. Smith, for the past three weeks, has been taking care of himself and has not been on the unemployed. It was decided to give $6. aid in the case. The man has no settlement in Lexington. 1 1 ' In regard to the application of Daniel Bailey, 40 Woburn Street, the man is 60 years of age. His family consists of his wife and step -son, who is a World War veteran now ill with ulcers of the stomach. Mr. Bailey is not a citizen and would therefore have to make application for aid if assistance were necessary. The matter was laid over for one week. 1 1 In regard to the application of Charles Alger, 146 Lowell Street, he is a carpenter and has four children. The mother is a practical nurse, but her money is at present tied up in one of the closed banks in Somerville. The mortgage is held by the Trimount Co-op. Bank and is three months in arrears. The bank is to take up the matter of reducing the payments on the morggage. The family has lived in Lexington for two years, and the Board informed Mr. Mitchell that if they needed assistance they would have to apply for welfare aid. William Aquaro applied for one day's work extra. Upon Inquiring about the registration of his car for 1933, Mr. Mitchell said he informed him that he did not know whether or not he would register the car in 1933. The Board felt that Mr. Aquaro should be told that he could not have any work if his car were registered. The matter was therefore laid over until next week. In regard to the application of John O'Brien for one more day's work, it was found that o'Brien had moved to Rycroft's house on Utica Street and is paying $3. a week room rent. Further information was to be obtained. 117 Bailey case. Alger. Aquaro O'Brien Mr. Mitchell reported application having been received from Harvey Budd who lives in Mrs. Baker's house, 1656 Mass. Avenue, and has not paid any rent for about six months. He Budd found that the man was not a citizen and not entitled to Unemployment Relief. Application was received from Thomas Dean of Cliffe Avenue. No action was taken as sufficient information was Dean not given. Leonard Meek again applied for assistance, and Mr. Leaf, assistance janitor of the Town Office Building, informed Mr. Mitchell that with the $2. cut he received last year, he felt he should not have to contribute ten per cent and take Meek care of his daughter, her husband and family. Her two brothers are living with the father and are not working. Mr. O'Connell felt that there was some money coming fron the estate to Mrs. Meek and asked that this be looked into to find out whether of not the money was received and expended. 118 Rose In regard to the application of John Rose, Jr., Bedford Street, he received his money for call fireman and paid Mr. White $80. which paid his rent up to May of this year. He has living with him his sister, Mrs. Nelson, who is separated from her husband by Court action, and her two children. Her husband is paying her $6. a week out of the $9. he gets from the Town. Mr. Nelson is living with Mr. John Rose on Muzzey Street. It was decided to give John the equibalent of thrde days on the Welfare Department. No action was taken on the application of Fred Wilson Wilson of 8 Giant Place. It is understood, however, that -he works for Collins on the moving van, and probably would not need any assistance. In regard to Adam Iodice, Mr. OtConnell felt that Iodice there would be some change made in his case and also stated that he should report to Mr. Smith, the probation officer. In regard to Jos. L. MacDonald, Amos Avenue, now working for Mr. Blake part time helping him out on the mortgage,on MacDonald the house, Mr. Mitchell reported that he was aiding to groceries whenever Mrs. MacDonald applied and the Board felt that Mr. MacDonald should be put to work for whatever aid given. Contribution slips were signed by all the various departments except the ,fire department, allowing a deduction of 10% of the salaries. In regard to the salary of the Clerk of the Board, when appointment of Public Welfare Agent was made it was decided to reduce the salary to $30. per week.At that time, no metzti was made of contributions. After considering the matter, it was voted to make the salary $33. per week and have contribution made of 10% of the salary. The meeting dissolved at 12:20 A.M A true record, Attest: Clerk. 1