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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-01-23' SELECTMEN'S MERTING JANUARY 23, 1934. A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at'the Selectmen's Rocm, Town Office Building, on Tuesday, January 23, 19349 at 7:30 P.M. Messrs. Trask, Ferguson, Gilcreast, Lyons and O'Connell were present. The Clerk was also present. 1 1 At the request of the Board of Selectmen the Board of Assessors came before them to discuss the matter of re- valuation of preperty. The Chairman explained that it was not within the pro- vince of the Selectmen to dictate to the Board of Assessors, but the Selectmen must have the expenditures of the town and the tav -Rte in mind when appropriations are made, and therefore d,asired to get the opinion as to whether or not any revaluation is to be made. The suggestion of reducing the buildings 10% was dis- cussed and the Board of Assessors stated that this would reduce the rate $2.00 and they felt that a reduction should be made in the whole piece of property rather than on the buildings. Mr. Potter state_ that an entire revaluation would be a stupendous job. He stated that the assessors have abated about $150.000 on requests and that the new M n Revaluaton of prope ty building valuations have just about offset that amount. 250 requests for abatements have been received and there are 4113 tax payers and 2489 houses in the town that are assessed. Mr. Buc'.rley felt that it would not be well to have word around that the Board of Assessors were to make a gen- eral reduction of 100, and he felt that a great many houses should have the asc,essment increased as they have never been touched. A great many people are now making requests to the Board of Tax Appeals and most always secure an abatement. Mr. Slocum expressed the idea that those who are ag- grieved by their assessment have the opportunity to request an abatement, and apparently the others who pay their taxes f are satisfied. He felt that some adjustment should be made but wondered if it wasn't t* best way to continue in the manner that is now being done. The question of an appraisal of the ,ntire town was discussed. Mr. Gilcreast called attention to appraisals made by Henderson & Ross. Other members of the Board were of the opinion that local men knew the conditions and could make a better appraisal. Mr. Buckley called attention to the fact that the block plan should be continued as it is of tremendous value to the Assessors. Attention was called to the fact that Rubin & Seligman have employed Mr. Custance to survey their property and it 492 r� �c is intend -d that they will take the case to the Tax Appeals. ' If a reduction is made on this property it will, no doubt, effect other property in the center of the town. The Board of Assessors agreed to discuss the matter further. Mr. Carl Hauck of Harbell Street came before the Board. and presented petition requesting that some work be Old County done on Old County Road, off Cedar Street. Several other Road residents of the vicinity including Frank P. Reynolds and John Sullivan were present. Mr. Hauck stated that he had been working on this pro- position for the past fifteen years and he looked -up the records of the street and talked :Xith Mr. Kendall_, County Engineer, about the street. He stated that Mr. Kendall in- formed him that the street was abandoned, but the Selectmen could wor°k on it if they so desired. The Chairman informed him that if the street was aban- doned as a public highway, the Selectmen would then have to have the strut accepted by the town before work could be done on the street and betterments would have to be assessed on the abutters. Mr. Sullivan stated that he owned considerable land on Old County Road and he felt that the town should do some , work on the street, but he was not in f��vor of paying asse- ssments as he is now assessed on Mass. Ave. for more than he can pay. Mr. Reynolds also objected. Mr. Hauck stated that the total value of the property represented by this section is $38055 and figuring on a tax rate of $30 a thousand they pay approximately $1140 and over a period of five years, $17,000. He felt now with the opportunity of having C.W.A. employment, that something should be done. He stated that there would be about ten pieces of property effected by this assessment. Mr. Hauck felt also that the property effected by this asoessment that the system that the Board had in handling street lay- outs was wrong. The Board informed him that they had to follow the State laws. 11 Mr. F. P. Reynolds of Old County Road requested a Pig permit. special permit to ':.eep pigs for a period of three months on his premises. The Board after considering the matter voted to grant a permit temporarily to Mr. Reynolds to keep not more than twenty pigs and that he would have to dispose of them on or before April 15th. The Health Inspector reported in regard to the Fitz- ' lAilk gerald place on Hancock St. that nothing definite had been permit. done as ,yet to clean up the place. They, however, were to get rid of the cows at an early date. Letter was received from the Alcoholic Beverage Com- mission in which it was stated that no license for beer and Liquor wine or alcohol issued under Chap. 376 of the Acts of 1933 should be granted until the fee is paid and the bond filed with the town. Letter was received from the Middlesex & Boston St. Railway Co. in which they agreed to cooperate with the -bus stop Board on the establishment of the new bus stop in front of the Edison Co. office. The Chairman reported that the taxi drivers now com- plain that the bus stop has been changed, and they do not have the opportunity to get the trade. It was therefore decided to establish a bus stop on Mass. Avenue just opposite the taxi cab stand which is lo- cated on the northerly side of the easterly entrance to the Depot Square. Abatement of $330.86 for Board of Health charges for subsidy for tuberculosis cases was signed by the Board, the full amount Navin been committed for the term of one year in the amount of 91317.84. ' It was voted to grant the Police Relief Association the use of Cary Memorial Hall on April 2nd free of charge. It was also voted to grant the DeMolay the use of Cary Memorail Hall for their bublic installation for the sum of $15. 1 It was voted to grant the following licenses for Pasteurization of Milk: Haskell Reed, Lowell Street Swensr�n Bros., 210 Marrett Road FAir Oaks Dairy,9 Sheridan Street First Class Agent's License was also granted to Harry B. Stearns of Carlisle to do business at the Mohawk Garage on Marrett Road. Abateme t, TB char es Cary Hal. Licenses The Board approved the bill of the Town Counsel in the amount of $25, for services in collecting the bill of Walter Black who owed considerable money to the Water Dept. Walter In this connection, the bill owed to Walter Blacl; for Black work done in the Public Works Dept. amounting to $159.60 bills. was held up until this case was settled. The bill therefore did not get paid in the 1933 account and it will be neces- sary to ask for an appropriation for this amount at the Town Meeting. Notice was priate $3042.87 ral, and it was received that it will be necessary to appro- for the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospi- voted to insert an article in the Warrant in Mdsx. C Y. appropria- tion 494 c� ►-c regard to this matter. I Figures were received from the Supt, of the Water and Sewer Dept. giving the cost of each of the abuttors on 'water, Hillcrest Avenue for the installation of water to the pro- hillcrest perty of Mr. Bertini. The information was to be forwarded to Miss Bertini Avenue. so that she might obtain the signatures of seventy-five per cent of the owners of the property. Reports of the Sealer of Weights and measures, Trustees Reports of the Bridge Charitable Fund, Trustees of Public Trusts and Supt, of Highways were approved by the Board. Letter was received from Tippett and Wood requesting that their certified check filed with their bid on the steel Cert.checks standpipe be returned. on bids. It was voted to have all checks returned except that of the lowest bidder. Letter was received from the Chicago Bridge & Iron Works in which they called attention to the fact that they felt that the services they rendered to the Supt. of the Water Dept. in drawing up the specifications for the stand- pipe were worth considerable and they also called attention to the wind girder at the top of the standpipe which they felt was necessary to properly enforce the top of the stand- pipe against buckling under the wind pressure. They also called attention to the efficiency of double riveted buck Mand i e joint construction. In view of these matters the felt P P y that they should be given consideration as the difference in their bid was only $552. The Chairman read the reply he had made to the Chicago Bridge & Iron Works calling attention to the fact that all bidders sent in their bids on specific specifications and unless the engineers for the town and the engineers for the Government disagree, the Board would feel it necessary that the bid be granted to the low bidder. Letter was received from Shepard Broadcasting Service Broadcast in which they called attention to the fifteen minute period broadcast every afternoon at two o'clock to be known as the municipal Forum and asking that the Chairman of the Board or any of the Town Department heads be one of the guests speakers. Commitment of sewer rentals in the amount of $1740.68 Commitment was signed by the Board. The Town Engineer presented figures on the cost of con- ' structing Fletcher Avenue with C.W.A. employment, the total cost of which 1vas $6765. making a cost of $2.702 per foot Fletcher assessment. There would, therefore, be an assessment against Avenue the abuttors of $4000 for materials, and it was voted to instruct the Supt, of Public Works to prepare information 'AM ' so that a petition could be signed by the residents of Pletcher Avenue guaranteeing the payment of the assess- ments so that the Board could take steps to request the construction of the highway with C.W.A. employment. The Board adjourned to the office of the Town Engi- neer to view the proposed plan of the new location of Pleasant Street and W"tertown Street. Some time ago, the Town Engineer recommended that a new highway come across New propo Pleasant Street out onto Mass. Avenue, but the Planning highway, .'Board were not in accord with this proposed layout and Pleas. the County Comnissioners therefore felt that the matter ertown It should be studied b77 the Planning Board and the Selectmen to see whether or not another layout could be made. The Plan presented by the Town Engineer was a result of the studies made, and the Planning Board were very much in favor of this new layout. The layout would cross the new proposed highway, Concord, Avenue, and c-ontinue on to widen Watertown Street to the Belmont line. The Chairman explained that Belmont fixed up their highway as far as Concord Avenue and it was hoped that this would continue into Belmont. The Board of Selectmen felt that the layout was a 'getter one than that previously proposed and voted to re- quest the County Commissioners for permission to withdraw the previous petition to them asking for the layout of the street through private property onto Mass. Avenue and to make petition for the new layout over Watertown and Plea- sant Streets crossing the proposed new highway, the same to be done under Chapter 90. It was also decided to request the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board of Belmont tn confer with the Selectmen on Tuesday evening next at 8 P.M. relative to the proposed layout. The plan of Valley Road relocation was also viewed in the Engineer's Office and the Chairman explained the dif- ferent ways the street could be constructed. The Supt, of Public Works stated that itivould cost 13870. to construct the street and tiventy-three C.W.A. men would be employed for a period of eight weeks. Valley The Chairman stated that the Town Counsel felt that he could work out a plan whereby the assessments on the property where houses are now located could be deferred until such time as houses are built on the property opposite and that the owners could sign an agreement to this effect. In laying out the street, it would be greatly to the Town's benefit owing to the fact that it will be an entrance to the Parker School playground. The Board felt that laving out the street in this manner with the deferred ass- essments would be the better plan. Mr. Duffy of Tewksbury Street came before the Board and asked what would be done about his house. He stated ed at - 496 that his house has been there for twelve years and it was 1 so badly shaken with the blasting that he could lock the 'puffy house windows of the house and they would still shake, and he felt that no one could realize the amount of damage that z,�ras done to his house. He stated that he would like to get a square.deal on the adjustment of the damage and he would prefer to have the Town get the figures of the cost of doing the work properly. Mr. Lyons called attention to the fact that there have been three fatalities in the vicinity near Childs Garage, East Lexington, and hefelt that something should be done to call the attention of the people in automobiles Danger at to drive slowly. He sugr;ested that a white line be painted boldly in the middle of the street from Independence Ave. East Lex. down to Child's Garage so that people coming down the high- way shall keep on their own side of the street; also that a line be painted similarly from his house to Pelham Road. He also called attention to the fact that this section appears to be poorly lighted. The Supt, of Public Works agreed to the having the lights viewed, and to having the street painted in these locations. The Supt, of Public Works reported that he intended to do the grading in the rear of the public works building and set in the balance of the trees with the men who are working �ublic on the Welfare Dept. as soon as the weather is proper for orks this work. Building. The Board authorized the Chairman to consult with the Town Counsel in regard to the power of the Board to request all public utilities installed in the streets prior to the acceptance by the Board of Survey or by the Town. It was voted to approve Old Age assistance for Mrs pp g Devine Sarah Devine of 114 Woburn Street in the amount of 166. a Old Age week and to furnish hgr-with Government coal. Assistance The Town Engineer came before the Board to discuss the matter of his estimate and the Chairman explained. that prior to 1931 the Town Engineer received $420. for the use of his I,Angineer's automobile and in 1931 it was voter] to reduce the amount to 'estimate $200. He felt that the proper ;YiinA; to do was to purchase another car for the Engineering Dex,t. which could '�)e used by the Engineer and they would then not pay the Town Engineer anything for the use of his car. With this recommendation it would not increase the budget of the Engineering Dept. and they would be better equipped to look after the various jobs. in the town. The Budget was approved in the amount of 10,297.56 and 1 I I L If the C.W.A. projects were continued it will be neces- sary to appropriate an additional surf to cover the cost of renting transits, etc. which have been paid out of various accounts such as Unclassified and Selectmen's Account. John J. Garrity came before the Board in regard to the Park Dept. estimate and after viewing all the items the Board voted to approve the appropriation with the ex- ception of the item of $400 for the bleachers. Mr. Garrity called attention to the fact that the in- structors at the Swimming Pool worked day and evening and therefore there should be a night instructor which would cost about $150. more. He also sug-ested that there be an instructor for tennis. He also called attention to the fact that the bottom of the flag pole would have to be re- newed as it is in a bad condition. The matter of flooding over the Lexington Reservoir or some other place so that it would be smooth for skating was also considered and Mr. Garrity stated that he would find out how much it would cost to flood over the reservoir so that it would not be rough. He also requested the Chairman to post two trees in front of Michael Manley's house on Parker Street so that they might be removed. Park estimate In approving the various appropriations, discussion was had relative to the appropriation for the Cary Memorial Bldg. and Mr. Ferguson felt that the stairways in the Cary Memor1k]. Buildin should be fixed. This would probably cost approxi- mately 600. The Clerk also called attention to the ice coolers which were proposed to be purchased last ,year. The Shade Tree apnropriation was also considered and the Chairman explained that part of the work on shade trees had been charged to the Moth Dept. in the past and it was de- cided therefore to change this appropriation so that all of the labor should be charged to the Shade Tree Dept. He also called attention to the fact that Shade Trees should be purchased to replace the trees that are dying out and being taken down and he also stated that Mr. Garrity intended to purchase some small Linden trees to be placed in the nursery at the playground for future use. He also called attention to the fact that the Moth Dept. supply of insecticide has given out this year and it will be necessary to provide for that. It was decided to approve the salary of $2100. for the Tax Collector but to take off the fifteen per cent reduction on his salary. The Town Clerk requested an increase of salary of $640. and the Chairman explained that the Town Clerk now has a ' clerk for four days a •reel- and the Town Accountant has the same girl for two days a weak. It was decided to approve of the salary of the Treasurer and Clem- of $2160. Skating Trees Cary M orial Ouildi ghitde trees Moth Dept. Tax L,0 lector- Town Ulerk 498 cr �c The Board considered estimates for various depart- epart-menu, menu,viewing all items and voted to approve the following amounts for the following Departments to be submitted to the Appropriation Committee: ACCOUNT Amount Administration of Trust Funds 65.00 Board of Appeals 200.00 Building Inspection 1140.00 Cattle Inspection 500.00 Collector's 4921.00 Dog Officer 50.00 Engineering 10297.56 Highway Maintenance 46325.00 Law 2500.00 Cary Library 11079.50 Moth & Insect Suppression 2160.00 Old Age Assistance 10500.00 Patriots Day 250.00 Ar,propria- Fire Pensions 1107.81 tions Police Pensions 1095.00 Police 30200.00 Posture Clinic 700.00 Public Works Building - operation 4560.00 Removal of Ashes & Care of Dumps 2000:00 ' Reserve Fund 2500.00 Sealer of Weights & Measures 475.00 Shade Trees 1400.00 Slaughtering Inspection 600.00 Soldiers Burials 100.00 Street Lights 21400.00 Street Signs 250.00 Town Offices & Cary Mem. Bldg. 8000.00 Town Physician 750:00 Traffic Regulation & Control 1300.00 Unclassified 200.00 Vital Statistics 50.00 Parks & Playgrounds 12501.00 Letter was received from J. R. Worcester & CO. in which they stated that they made a careful check of the Standpipe plan submitted by McClintic Marshall Corp. of the design and specification of the Lexington Standpipe and had checked all the riveted joints, both horizontal and vert- ical and find that these joints are In accordance with the specification and good practice in each case. The fram;ng of the roof is of ample strength to take the wind stresses though they depend somewhat on the details which will be sent later. Water 'x- Letter was received from the Town Counsel in which ' tensions he gave his opinion in reference to the insertion of anti= Iles in the Warrant requesting water and sewer extensions. M141 ' He stated that on a reouest for an insertion of'an arti- cle in the Annual Warrant signed by ten persons, the arti- cle must be inserted. He also stated that the Town Meeting can vote and compel the Selectmen to make such extensions as are requested in the Warrant. In reference to the -heck of x$10. of Mrs. Laurette Ducharme given to the Board of Appeals for publishing notice„ of hearing which was not honored by the Lexington Trust ucharme Company, the Town Counsel advised that the Town proceed to check collect the claim through the Small Claims Court at Con- cord. The Board voted therefore that the Town Treasurer be instructed to proceed to mage the claim for the fee of $10. Letter was received from the Commissioner of Public Parrots Health calling attention to the Act of Congress approved Feb. 15, 1893, which has been amended in reference to transportation of parrots, parrakeets and other birds of the Psittacine family. Letter was received from the Division of Vocational Education in which they advised that the application for vocational admission to the Cambridge Evening Industrial School has schools not as yet been approved inasmuch as the course has not ' met with official approval. Mr. Mitchell came before the Board and presented in- formation in form of a letter from the estate of Harry F. Fay showing that there was a $1000 mortgage on the property of Andrew Pewtherer. rewtherer He recommended that Mr. Pe,,vtherer be given three days dase a week as he had been given in the past. He would also give the Board a report in regard to what his son is now doing. The Agent also mentioned the applicat'on of John Max- ner, who boards with Mrs. Osgood. The man has taken out his first papers. He has not lived with his family for Kaxner cas about a year. He stated that he would give additional in- formation to the Board at a later date. The Agent also reported the following figures in re- gard to Welfare disbursements: - RECAPITULATION Disbursements - Public Welfare, Chapters 117- & 118 $531233.45 I Unemployment Relief 235961.96 Welfare Soldiers Relief 29574.97 Disburse- totalmeets. $79,770.38 Reimbursements State, Cities, & Towns, 189303.11 500 n n �c total $79,770.38 ' Reimbursements - State, Cities, & Towns, Individuals 18'303.11 Fed. Goe't 12,858.60 Contributions from Town Emp. 18,046.90 49,208.61 Net cost of relief rendered out of to,::,n funds30,561.77 Total families 292, representing 1169 persons, an average of 4 persons to a family. per family - Gross $273.18 Net 104.66 per person - Gross 68.24 Net 26.14 The Meeting adjourned at 12 o'clock. A true record, Attest: Clerk. I