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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-01-30' SELECTMENtS MEETING JANUARY 30, 1934. A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at the Selectments Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday evening, January 30, 1934 at 7:30 P.M. Messrs. Trask, Ferguson, Gilcreast, O'Connell. and Lyons were present. The Secretary �,Tas also present. It was voted to grant the John Sullivan - Frank Dias - Manuel Silva - George Holman - John Connors - D. J. Kelley - John A. Ffanse - Mildred E. Spooner John F. McGrath Joseph Douglas A. S. Duren - 50 following garbage permits: - Concord Hill, Lex. Goncord Avenue, Lex. Garbage Concord, Mass. permits. Hill Avenue, Lex. Lincoln, Mass. Hartwell Road, Bedford 26 Greenwood St., Newton - Bedford Road; Carlisle - Blanchard Rd. Burlington - Crosby Road, Bedford Carlisle, Mass. Letter was received from the Town Accountant in which he called attention to the fact that Mr. Earle presented a bill for his salary without the 15% reduction voted by the Town for salaries for the year 1933. He disallowed the salary and made the reduction of 15% The Chairman explained that after deciding last week to establish a bus stop in front of the taxi stand on Mass. Avenue, it was found that another bus stop was established just northerly of the exit from Depot Square. It was there- fore voted to abandon this stop inasmuchas there exists an- other stop near Meriam St. and establish a stop "on the easterly side of Mass. Avenue at the northQrly side of the sout',erl_�= entrance to Depot Park, directly in front of the taxi stand." Collec salary Bus Mr. !"dm. F. Green of Fern St. came before the Board and asked that a preliminary survey be made of the section Where Fern Street extension is located rkrith a vierr of ex- Fern 't. tending Summit Road into Fern Street Extension. He stated that it ,ras only a distance of 150 feet from the end of the Fern St. extension to Summit Road and if this street was laid out it would, give an exit to the people on that street out on to Mass. Avenue and for the people in the Fern St. section out onto Follen Road. He called attention to'the fact that there was a rnque:t to alter a house which would stand in the way if the street was laid out to a width of 40 feet and the resid nts in that section objected t6 it. 502 c� He felt that a sufficient number of persons in that ' section were interested in making the lay out, and the Board requested him to get a petition signed and presented to them. The Chairman sug<-ested making a new layout over the section which was accepted by the Town to a width of 30ft. but was never deeded. At B:00 P.M. representatives from Belmont, namely, Mr. Giles Smith, Chairman of the PlanninE, Board, the Town Belmont Engineer, Mr. Woodfall, and Mr. Thompsnr_, Supt. of Street, officials appeared to view the plan prepared by the Town Engineer Belmont re: new showing the relocation of Pleasant St, and Watertown St, officials ret Uoncord Ave.crossing the new proposed highway, Concord Avenue. Mr. new "oncord Layout Glynn and Mr. Scheibe represented the Lexington Planning Ave. layout. Board. Mr. Smith explained that the Board of Selectmen of Belmont are having a meeting this evening and therefore were unable to come, and he asked that a copy of the proposed plan be made and sent to the Planning Board so that the Boa -,d and the Selectmen may view the plan. Both he and the other representatives commented upon the plan, and offered only the suggestion that either an island or traffic lights be installed at the intersection of Concord Avenue. The Chairman of the Selectmen requested. them to co- operate and appear at the hearing before the County Com- ' missioners on February 20, 1934 at 10 A.M. and press their request for a continuation of this highway into Belmont. Mr. Smith was very much in favor of the layout and felt certain that they would cooperate with the Lexington Board in their efforts to have this layout approved and secure assistance under Chapter 90. Letter was received from the Planning Board in which it was stated that their Board had given consideration to Drainage the scheme of development of the East Lexington Meadow Area and is of the opinion that the area should ultimately be- Drainage come a part of a comprehensive park development and the low lying portions should be flooded. Petition was received from Miss Helen Bertini of Hill- Billerest crest Avenue signed by eight persons requesting the install - Ave. water ation of water in Hillcreast Avenue. As this wax a little Hillcrest less than 60o it was decided to request Miss Bertini to get Ave.water at least 750 of the properties signed up. In connection with petitions for water mains in unac- cepted streets it was voted to adopt the following regu- !Installation-lation: of water That hereafter all petit'nns for the installation of mains the water area mains be signed by at least seventy-five per cent of the prop'�rties abutting on said street and also con- taining agreements b -T such owners to pa,r their proportionate parts of the betterment assessments. Releases of damage Installation L 1 1 of owners and mo Estimate was fixing the bulgin Christine B. Noye was received from These estimates w proved by the Boa of charges in the bathroon. It was of $53 for this i house of the Miss The Board de the owners of pro bids for the work sentation. Estima'-,e for inspection of the Duffy on Tewksbur ley in the amount of $82 for ceilin additional includ The Board fe high and decided present bids on t It was voted the Middlesex Cou March 7th. .50 gagees should also be obtained. received from P. F. Dacey of $18 for wall_ at the house of Margaret B. and 5 Tewksbury Street and estimate of $83 C. E. B6ntle ,,r for papering and painting. S re in addition to those previously ap- hirl d. The asst Town Engineer disapproved sewer amount of $30 for oainting kitchen and ages therefore voted to approve the estimate em. The total approved for work on the s Noires were $274. ided to obtain a rely -,ase of damages from erty in damage cases and to award the to done and to pay the bills upon pre - painting and paper hanging based on the Asst Town Engineer Engineer of the house of Michael Street was received from Louis C. Bent - of $72.00 and estimate from P. F. Dacey Duffy h S, patching and fixing chimneys, ($5.00 damage ng if necessary to supply new chimney pot) t that the estimate of Mr. Bentley was o request both Mr. Mara and Mr. Tobin to is worl, . to grant the use of Cary Memorial Hall to ty Assessors for a banquet to be held on Cary Ha Mr. A. A. Rocs came before the Board and presented his report for the Town Report in which he dial not include the financial statement owing to the fact that the financial statement in detail Is to be included this ,year in the Town Accountant's report. He felt therefore, that it would only be a repetition to prepare a financial statement. The Board was agreeable to having his report printed in that manner. The Board approved the appropriation recommended for the Water Maintenance Dept, in the amount of 71,037.75 Mr. Ross alsc felt that money should be requested for the continuation of work on repairing the truck line sewer In the vicinity of Grant Street, Sherman Street and Haynes Lane. He Included that in �is sewer Maintenance Budget. There was also An increase in Clerk hire included in the Sewer Maintenance budget and the Chairman explained that It had become necessary to employ another permanent clerk in the WateDept. The Board co sldered whether or not it would be better to make a special appropriation for the repair of the trunk line sewer and de ided that it viould he better to handle the A Water aV Sewer 'Report Water a fewer Estimat 504 Johnson water ex- tension Sewer extension Hydrants New Pro- jects Water Mains matter this way and voted to approve a special appropriation of $4000 to repair the trunk line sewer. It was also voted to approve $6000 for se!,,er Mainten- ance for 1934. The Board discussed the matter of extension of water mains in property of Harry Johnson off Mass. Avenue, and the Chairman reported that he had discussed with the Town Counsel wh-ther or not the Board would -equire that util- ities be placed in the streets and the stye -.t properly built prior to acceptance by the Town and the Town Counsel informed him that he knew of no authority under the law whereby the Board could compel him to do this, but, however, he found that in the Towns of Arlington and Belmont they do handle situations this way. The Board therefore felt that they should write to Mr. Johnson to find out what he intended to do about building the streets in that section before water mains were installed. Mr. Ross reported that he had received an application for a sewer extension from Mrs. Leary on Woburn Street and also called attention to the fact that Mr. Smith will pro- bably want water and sewer extensions in his development. It ,was voted approve the sum of $7635. for hydrants. - Mr. Ross presented projects which he felt should be considered by the Board of 1934. One was the installation of twenty gate valves. This work at the present time is being done in Belmont by the A. P. Smith Co, of East Orange, N. J. and the estimate of completing the work.in Lexington would be $3185. This would enable the Dept. in case of breaks in the system to shut off the flow of water without inconveniencing a great number of people as they must do, now. Mr. Ross also recommended the installation of the 16 inch water main in Mass. Avenue from the Child's Garage to Pleasant Street a distance of 1.700 feet at an estimated cost of $9370. The Board after considering the matter, voted to approve these propositions and to insert an article in the Warrant requesting both appropriations. These appropriations will be expended out of the Water Dept. surplus. Mr. Ross recomr:iended also the extension of a 12 inch water main in Bedford Street from Elm Avenue to Tewksbury Water Main, Stre-t at an estimated cost of $7000 and the replacement of a 4 inch main in Bloomfield Street a distance of 1500 felt at an estimated cost of $6000., in Highland Avenue a d9.s- tance of 450 feet at an estimated cost of $1600., in Percy Road 1000 feet at an estimated cost of $1500. These latter projects the Board did not agree to approve. f] J 0 501 ' Mr. Ross presented a letter in which he recommended that a new 8 inch main be placed in Winter Street to re- place the 4 inch main and that the funds for the labor be provided under the Civil Works Administration. Water ma Mr. Ross reported having consulted with Mr. Parker of Mr. Gowns office relative to baclrfilling in the trenches on the trunk line sewer project. Mr. Park.°r informed him that he did not believe backfilling of the trenches with hand labor would be approved. Mr. Ross suggested trenches that if it were not approved, that application for the labor at $3000 to backfill. Commitment of water rates for the third section in the amount of $2866.89 was signed b77 the Board. Commitment The draft of agreement in regard to betterment assess- ments on Valley Road was received from the Town Counsel. This agreement will provide for deferred assessments to be paid on the properties benefited by the public high:Piay. Valley Ros Estimate for cost of putting Valley Road into safe condition from Bedford Street to the brook a distance of 1050 feet in the amount of $3870 was received from the Supt. of Public Works. It was therefore decided to proceed with the layout for ' Valley Road in accordance with the ideas of the Town Counsel. Letter was received from B. E. McElroy Co. of Worcester in which they called attention to the fact that their truck #5 dropped into a hole on the Bedford Road in Lexington on January 24th causing them to expend $12.45 for repairing a Damage broken sprinj; (front). They as'..red reimbursement for damage truck done. It was decided to refer this matter to Mr. Scamman to obtain information as to where the hole was lociLted and also if the Water Dept. had excavated at that point, and if so whether a permit had been obtained from the State to do the work. Letter was received from the Town Counsel in which he recommended the payment of $200 to Judge Beaudreau to settle the damages for land taken. It appears that the assessment on this property for the years 1931, 1932 and 1933 was for Beaudr $150. and the Clerlr reported that the lines laid down as a cas result of the new highway beim; Pstablished were almost identical with the lines previously laid down and therefore a very small amount of land was taken. It was therefore decided to lay the matter on the table until a plan of the takinpr could re viewed. Letter was received from J ' thdy stated ths:t the McClintic to substitute pickling of metal method and in their opinion the ferable to sandblasting in the standpipe. . R. Worcester & Co. in which Marshall Corp. have proposed instead of the sand blasting Stand pic'ling method was pre - construction of a steel J .506 � Letter was-�eceived from the Federal Emergency Relief , Administration of Public Works in Washington in which they Grant advised that the agreement received from the Board would be executed but requesting that the Board have the action of changing the loan to a grant ratified at the Town Meet- ing. Circular letter was received from the Mass. Federation of Taxpayer's Association relative to Senate Bill #169, pro - Senate posing certain changes in the Civil Service Laws; an investi- gation orovi_ded for and study by a special commission of the bills, general supervision of County Government. etc. The Board voted in favor of the investigation of the County Government. House Letter was received from the Mass. Civic League re - bill lative to House Bills regarding neglected children. Letter was received from the Middlesex County Com - B. missioners in which they stated that the rate for care of cases tuberculosis patients will be reduced effective Jan. lst, 1934 from $12.25 to $10.50 per week. Mr. Gilcreamt reported in regard to the appronri.ation for Memorial Day that he talked with Mr. Morse and Mr. Morse ' Informed him that $75 of the appropriation was turned over to the American Legion, that $37.50 was spent for wreaths Memorial and 175 flags were purchased and doughnuts and coffee for Day refreshments for those w, o marched. He also stated that they had left last year $6. of the appropriation and usually they have from $6 to 15 left. 250. It was therefore voted to approve the appropriation of Supt, of Public Works called attention to the fact that the Sherman Street bridge is in very dangerous condi- Sherman tion and should be fix,d and it would cost approximately Street $1200. to fix the bridge and culvert. bridge. The Board voted to insert an article in the Warrant for a special appropriation for this work. The Board voted to an,rove the following estimates: Account amount Accounting $3050.00 Assessors 5825.00 Dental Clinic Com:-ittee 1570.00 Estimates Election and Registration 2000.00 Forest Fires 700.00 ' Garbn.gd Collection 3600.00 Health 7500.00 Hydrant Rentals 7635.00 Interest on Debt. 34368.13 Cary Library 11179..50 LJ 1 C PJ Maturing Debt. 128855:85 Memorail Day 250:00 Military Aid 100:00 Other Finance Offices & Ac^ounts 150.00 Plumbing Inspection 850.00 Public Welfare 30000:00 Selectmen 3850:00 Sidewalks 1200'`00 Soldiers Relief 2500:00 Estimates State Aid 300.00 A complete Survey of the Drainage Areis of the Town Town Clerk's 5000.00 Treasurer's 2049.84 Water Maintenance 1694.84 Foreclosure & Redemption of Tax_ Titles held by Town 2000.00 Sewer Maintenance 6000.00 In regard to the Accountant's salary, the Chairman Accountant stated that hefelt Mr. Russell has proved his worth and he felt that his aalar-- should be brought ,mp to being paid to Mr. Pierce of $2550. The Chairman reported that the Board of Assessors had requested an increase in pa-, from $200 to $300 tier year. All members of the Board were in favor except the Chairman. Assessor The Board discussed the matter and voted to approve the appropriation for the Assessor's Dept. minus the in- crease in the salary of the Assessors. Owing to the death of Ezra F. Breed, a vacancy oc- curred in the office of Deputy Warden, Precinct two. It Deputy was therefore voted to rove up Elizabeth Nourse from the Warden position of Teller to Deputy VJa�,den and to appoint Wm. F. Downes as Teller in Precinct Two. The meeting adjourned at 11:20 P.M. A true record, attest: Clerk.