HomeMy WebLinkAbout1933-12-05I
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
DECEMBER 5, 1933.
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
at the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday
December 5, 1933 at 7:30 P. M. Messrs. Trask, Gilcreast,
Ferguson, O'Connell and Lyons were present. The clerk was
also present.
Mr. John J. McCormack of 39 Grant Street was drawn as
,juror to serve at the Grand. Jury session at Superior Ct.,
Cambridge.
Certificate of the character of Frances G. Scott of
Wood Street as an incorporator of the Eastern States Hair-
dressers Association, Inc.,, was signed by the Board.
Certificate of the sewer assessment charges amounting
to $3172.16 was signed by the Board.
The Board voted to transfer the Common Victualler
Lie.r�se-and Beer License held by Frederick Connor to do
• bu-, el(s at 314-316 Marrett Road to Marshall L. Tebhetts.
' Hearing was declared open upon the application of
Swenson Soothers and signed by Henning W'. Swenson for per-
mission to install a 500 gallon gasoline tank for private
use at 210 Marrett Road, Lexington. The tank was to be
'located 100 ft. from the street.
Mr. Henning W. Swenson appeared to present his peti-
tion. No persons appeared against the petition, and it was
voted to grant the permit subject to the approval of the
Fire Chief.
The application of Stephen Donnellan to peddle bakery
products was signed by the Board.
The Chairman reported that the Chief of the Fire Dept.
would appear next week with his budget of 1934.
Mr. Albert Ross and the Town Engineer came before the
Board to discuss the matter of specifications for the stand-
pipe prepared by J. R. Worcester.
Mr. Ross stated that the specifications were not suf-
ficient, and presented copy of specifications prepared by
Metcalf and Eddy for the Town of Swampscott standpipe which
is similar in constru^tion to the one proposed here. The
Town Engineer stated that he communicated with the Town Eng-
ineer of Swampscott and was informed by him that in addition
' to Metcalf and Eddy's preparation of thespecifications, he
also worked on them that it was perfectly proper to use them
if Lexington so desired.
The Chairman stated that J. R. Worcester Co. asked $100
433
Juror.
Cert.
Incor-
poration.
Sewer
Ass Itmt
Charges.
Tebbetts
Licenses.
Gasoline
Permit.
Swenson.
Peddler's
License.
Fire Dept.
Budget.
434
cs
for the preparation of
the specification consisting of
two
'
pages, and he informed
them that he did not contract to
pay
for the specifications.
It was decided that
Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Ross and Mr.
Cos-
grove should go over the
spec'fications and bring in a
spec-
ification to the Board
that could be sent to J. R. Worcester
for checking.
Telegram was received from the office of Charles R. Gow
State Engineer, of Public Works, Administration, advising
that the grant of $11,000 for the construction of the stand-
pipe was approved.
The Chairman stated that when the specifications for
the standpipe are properly checked there is no reason why
bids should not be received on the construction of the stand-
pipe.
Mr. Ross presented list stowing when he considered it
payments would be due on the trunk line sewer job as follows:
Dec. 151rh. $159000.
Jan. 15th 10,000.
Feb. 1st. 7.9 500.
Mar. lst Balance
He stated that due to the weather conditions it was
hard to estimate the progress of the work.
With these figures before the Board it was decided to
instruct the Town Treasurer to secure bids on serial notes
in the amount of $25,000 under authority of the vote of the
Town authorizing the loan of $46,000 for the construction
of a trunk line sewer. Notes to be in denominations of
$2,000 for five .years and $3,000 for five years.
The Board signed agreement presented by the Boston &
Maine Railroad Co. in which they granted the use of the rail-
road property for the construction of the trunk line sewer
provided the town protects their interests and indemnifies
the railroad against damage, expense and personal injury.
Mr. Ross stated that he still had a list of water mains
to be laid if the Board desired to have them included in
the civil works program.
Mr. O'Connell called attention to the fact that he
believed that Mr. Lidberg wanted the water extended to his
property on Adams Street. Mr. Ross stated that this ex-
tension would probably cost about $6000.
No action wt:s taken to extend the water.
Mr. Ross again called attention to providing a job for
a white collared man to obtain records of all of the meters '
in the town. The Board stated that this would have to be a
'
separate application to the Civil Works.
Mr. Bertini and his daughter of Hillcrest Avenue came
before the Board relative to obtaining water to their home.
Mr. Bertini was informed that he would have to get the
signatures of ten of the abutting owners on the street, be-
fore action would be taken, these owners must agree that they
want the water installed in the street. He•also was informed
that Board of Survey plan would have to be approved before
water is installed.
He stated that he filed a plan with the Town Engineer
for approval and has heard nothing from it.
He was urged to see the Board of Assessors to secure
the names of the owners of the abutting property on the
street.
Miss Bertini also requested that some filling be put
in to their street as it is almost impossible to walk in
the street in muddy weather. She also called attention to
the fact that they have no street lights on the street.
Mr. Lawrence G. Mitchell came before the Board and
stated that he had received an a -plication from Mrs, Anna
Archibald of 42 Forest Street for assistance. Her husband
was injured recently in an automobile accident, and although
the man has returned from the hospital he has been requested
to remain quiet and not to return to work until Jan, lst.
He was formerly employed by Sheldon Robinson at the nursery,
but he was not ready to say that he would be able to employ
him again when he is able to work. The man received $21 per
week and pays $30 rent. He is in arrears in the rent $55.
He has been aided to $3.00 for groceries. The Agent recom-
mended continuance of food until such time as the man can
return to work, and the Bfoard so voted.
The Supt. of Public Works came before the Board and
presented a list of streets that could be widened and
straightened by civil works employees,
Mr. O'Connell suggested tht Woburn St, at Sorenson's
place should be fixed. Mr. Lyons suggested that Maple St.
should also be repaired. The Supt. of Public Works, however,
stated that these jobs could be done only in warm weather.
Mr. Lyons suggested that Oak Street be widened out to
its full width, giving more room for cars to pass, especially
in slippery weather.
After discussing the advisability of work on the streets
suggested by the Supt, it was voted to ,request civil works aid
on the following streets; East, Blossom, Lincbin, and Vine
Streets.
All of the members of the Board intend to view Oak St.
again and the matter of including this street will again be
'
considered at the next meeting.
435
Hillcrest
Avenue
Water,
Archibald
Applica-
tion.
for Aid,
436
QA
�c
The Chairman reported that he visited the Civil Works '
Administratior Office, and was informed that they would
approve projects for labor but not for materials.
Telegram was also received in which it was stated that
all prior limitations of men and money would be disregarded
and with the request that more projects be brought in by
Friday.
The Board also voted to submit the project of con-
struction of a sidewalk on Woburn Street and on Mass. Ave.
from Cedar Street on the right hand side to School Street.
The Chairman explained in regard to the temporary loan
which was authorized of $175,000 that it was decided to use
the $50,000 loan recently requested to pay off on the $175,000
loan due December 5th. He communicated with the Lexington
Trust relative to a bid on the $125,000 and upon inquiry in
Boston it was found that a bid of around 3% could be had.
The Lexington Trust Co. agreed therefore to take the loan at
the rate of 2.75 at private sale. The Chairman felt also
that accepting this bid would save explanation on the recent
vote passed at the town meeting.
The Board therefore voted to approve the action of the
Chairman in awarding this bid.
The Supt, of Public Works reported that there was not '
sufficient money in the Snow Removal Account for the bal-
ance of the year.
The Board there for voted to declare an emergency on
the removal of snow and expend whatever becomes necessary
for expenses in this account.
It was voted to approve the bill of $41.27 for drain-
age maps to be charged to the Unclassified Account. These
maps were outside of the regular charges of the Engineering
Department, and therefore it was decided to make the change
in the department charge.
The Supt, of Public Works presented a list of 289 sewers
not connected.
He suggested formerly that some arrangement might be made
to connect these houses with the sewer by civil works em-
ployment. He felt after having the list had been taken off
there were too many to make arrangements for.
The Supt, of Public Works presented letter in refer-
ence to his investigation of the conditions over the brook
at Sheridan Street where Dr. Barnes requested the cooperation
of the Board in covering the brook.
The conditions are as follows: The street is an unac-
cepted street and the brook is crossed by a wooden bridge
maintained by Dr. Barnes. He desires to rebuild the upper
437
part of the wall with stone and cement and cover it with Brook.
a reinforced cement slab, and wants the town to build up Sheridan
the walls and to share the expense. The Supt, stated it Street.
would be better to build up the walls and cover with con-
crete than to lav a pipe in the brook as a pipe of suffi-
cient size could not be laid without tearing down the walls
and excavating. Dr. Barnes, however, thinks that a thirty
inch pipe is large enough.
The question arose as to whether or not the town would
be liable if they did go in on this private street and do
any construction work, and it was decided to ask the town
counsel, for an opinion on the matter.
Letter was received from Dr. Henry D. Chadwiclr, Com- Diphtheria
missioner of Public Health, in which he asked whether or Immunization,
not the Board of Health wol:ld be willing to have nurses
work in the town to promote diphtheria immunization through
a house to house canvass. In this manner it is their in-
tention to use unemployed nurses in this community.
The Board voted to cooperate with the State Department
of Health in this matter. The obligation on the part of
the board would be to maintain clinics for this work.
Latter was received from Mr. Reiss in which he advised
' that in the construction of Concord Avenue relocated, there
will be a number of street crossings in which water mains
should be laid prior to the construction of the new road.
He recommended that an appropriation be made for this pur-
pose, and also that a list of other street crossing con-
nections be made by the Town Engineer.
No definite action was taken on the matter.
The Board requested the Supt, of Public Works to have
the shack owned by Mary Toomey and located at the corner of
Ward and Center Streets, torn down on Monday, December 4th.
Mrs. Toomey came in on Saturday and stated that the
Building Inspector was in error because on Nov. 11th they
had torn down the back part of the building, and the out
house. She also stated that on Saturday next her husband
would be out of work and she desired an extension of time
to finish the job, as she had no money to reimburse the
town for taking it down.
Mr. Scamman took her to the location and found what
she had said was true and she was therefore granted an ex-
tension of time to December 9th to hove the building removed.
Ap--)lication for a bill board to be located by Donnelly
& Sons on land of Gertrude E. Chase near the corner of
Spring Street, on Marrett Rd.. was received during the week
' and forwarded to the Town Counsel. Letter was received
from the Town Counsel in which he stated that he had made
application for a hearing on the request.
Water
Mains.
Toomey
Shack.
Bill
Board.
438
3
+-C
The Board voted to disapprove of a bill board being 1
located on the land of Mrs. Chase.
Application was received f rom Edgar J. Thivierge of Liquor
the Colonial Drug store for permission to sell liquor in Lteenses.
package goods.
Applications were also received from the Lexington
Fruit, and Edward Berman for license to sell liquors.
The Board decided not to take action until they re-
ceive an official copy of the law, and the aprlications
were therefor laid upon the table.
Mr. Dunham who intends to purchase the Ross place on Fern St.
Fern Street came before t -he Board to find out if the street
would be widened as stated by Mr. Wm. F. Green, who was be-
fore the Board at the last meeting.
The Board informed him that they had no intention of
widening the street and if the Building Inspector gave him
a permit that was all that was necessary.
Mr. Gilcreast reported that the reason why Mrs. McEnroe Old Age.
saved her checks on Old Age Assistance was to pay the mort-
gage of $40.50 a month and the taxes of $76.00. He re-
quested her therefore to cash her checks every three weeks.
Request was received for fuel from John J. Mann. It
was voted to grant $1.00 per week additional for fuel in
this case until May 1st.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:30 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
Clerk,
John
J.
Mann.
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