HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-01-30 50_
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
JANUAFY 30, 1934.
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
at the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday
evening, January 30, 1934 at 7 : 0 P M. Messrs Trask,
Ferguson, Gilcreast, O 'Connell. and Lirons were present.
The Secretary as also present .
It was voted to grant the following garbage permits : -
John Sullivan - Concord Hill, Lex.
Frank Dias - Concord Avenue, Lex Garbage
Manuel Silva - Concord, Mass . permits .
George Holman - Hill Avenue, Lex.
John Connors - Lincoln, Mass
D. J Kelley - Hartwell Road , Bedford
John A. 3anse - 26 Greenwood St , Newton
Mildred E Spooner - Bedford Road , Carlisle
John F. McGrath - Blanchard Rd. Burlington
Joseph Douglas - Crosby Road, Bedford
A S Duren - Carlisle , Mass.
Letter was received from the Town Accountant in which
he called attention to the fact that Mr. Earle presented a Collector' :
bill for his salary without the 15% reduction voted by the
Town for salaries for the year 1933 He disallowed the salary
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 Bus stop
just northerly of the exit from Depot Square It was there-
fore voted to abandon this stop inasmuchas there exists an-
other stop near Meriari St. and establish a stop "on the
easterly side of Mass Avenue at the nortrerly side of the
sout',erly entrance to Depot Park, directly in front of the
taxi stand."
Mr. Wm. F Green of Fern St came before the Board
and asked that a preliminary survey be made of the section
here Fern Street extension is located with a view of ex- Fern Wit .
tending Summit Road into Fern Street Extension He stated
that it .vas 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 th- Fern St
section out onto Follen Road He called attention to the
fact that there was a reque 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 td, it.
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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 sugeested making a new layout over the
section which was accepted by the Town to a width of 30ft.
but was never deeded.
At :00 P M representatives from Belmont , namely,
Mr. Giles Smith, Chairman of the Planning 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 ref
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
Board 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 requestedthem 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-
Billcrest 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 6Q% 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 petitions for the installat7on of Installation
mains the water area mains be signed by at least seventy-five per
cent of the nroperti's abutting on said street and also con-
taining agreements by such owners to pair their proportionate
parts of the betterment assessments . Releases of damage
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of owners and mortgagees should also be obtained.
Estimate was received from P F. Dacey of $18 for
fixing the bulginF; wall at the house of Margaret B and
Christine B Noyes , 5 Tewksbury Street and estimate of $83
was received from C . E Bentley for papering and painting. Shirle St.
Theseestimates were in addition to those previously ap-
proved by the Board The ass 't Town Engineer disapproved sewer dam-
of charges in the amount of 530 for nai.nting kitchen and ages
rathroon. It was therefore voted to approve the estimate
of $53 for this item The total approved for work on the
house of the Misses Noyes were $274
The Board decided to obtain a rel,-ase of damages from
the owners of property in damage cases and to award the
bids for the work to h done and to pay the bills upon pre-
sentation.
Estima e for painting and paper hanging based on the
inspection of the Ass 't Town Engineer of the house of Michael
Duffy on Tewksbury Street was received from Louis C Bent-
ley in the amount of $72 00 and estimate from P. F Dacey Duffy horse
of $82 for ceilings, patching and fixing chimneys, ($5.00 damage
additional including if necessary to supply new chimney pot)
The Board felt that the estimate of Mr. Bentley was
high and decided to request both Mr Mara and Mr. Tobin to
present bids on this York
It was voted to grant the use of Cary Memorial Hall to
the Middlesex County Assessors for a banquet to be held on Cary Hall
March 7th
Mr. A A. Ross came before the Board and presented
his report for the Town Report in which he did not include dater ani
the financial statement owing to the fact that the financial Sewer
statement in detail is to be included this year in the Town Reports
Accountant' s report . He felt therefore, that it would only
be a repetition tc 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 Hater and
in the vicinity of Grant Street , Sherman Street and Haynes "'ewerLane. He included that in is sewer Maintenance Budget. Estimates
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 Water Dept
The Board considered whether or not it would be better
to make a special appropriation for the repair of the trunk
line sewer and decided that it would he better to handle the
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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 sewer Mainten-
ance for 1934.
The Board discussed the mat'-er 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 whether or not the Board would require that util-
Johnson ities be placed in the streets and the stret properly built
water ex- prior to acceptance by the Town and the Town Counsel informed
tension 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 shnu d write to
Mr Johnson to find out what he Intended to do about building
the streets in tnat section before water mains were installed
Mr . Ross reported that he had received an application
Sewer for a sewer extension from Mrs. Leary on Woburn Street and
extension also called attention to the fact that Mr. Smith will pro-
bably want water and sewer extensions in his development.
Hydrants It was voted arprove 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
New Pro- being done in Belmont by the A. P. Smith Co. of East Orange,
beets 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 Garare to Pleasant
Street a distance of 1700 feet at an estimated cost of $9370.
Water The Board after considering the matter, voted to approve
Mains these propositions and to insert an article in the Warrant
requesting both appropriat ons. These appropriations will
be expended out of the Water Dept surplus .
Mr. Ross recommended also the exte.dsion 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 feet
at an estimated cost of $6000 , in Highland Avenue a dis-
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.
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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 mains
Mr. Ross reported having consulted with Mr. Parker
of Mr Gow' s office relative to backfilling in the trenches
on the trunk line sewer project Mr Parker 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 by 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 highway. Valley Road
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 to
broken spring ( front) They asked reimbursement for damage truck
done.
It was decided to refer this matter to Mr Scamman to
obtain information as to where the hole was located 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, 19' 2 and 19"x2 was for Beaudreau
$150 and the Clerl reported that the lines laid down as a case
result of the new highway being established were almost
identical with the lines previously laid down and therefore
a very small amount of land was taken
It was therefore decided to lair the matter on the table
until a plan of the takin could re viewed.
Letter was received from J R Worcester & Co. in which
they stated th-t the McClintic Marshall Corp. have proposed
to substitute pickling of metal instead of the sand blasting Standpipe
method and in their opinion the pickling method was pre-
ferable to sandblasting in the construction of a steel
standpipe.
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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 Taxpayerts Association relative to Senate Bill #169, pro-
posSenate ng 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-
T. B. missioners in which they stated that the rate for care of
cases tuberculosis patients will be reduced effective Jan. 1st, 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 who marched He also stated that
they had left last year $6 of the appropriation and usually
they have from $6 to $15 left
It was therefore voted to approve the appropriation of
$250.
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 approve the following estimates
Account Amount
Accounting $3050.00
Assessors 5823 00
Dental Clinic Committee 1570.00
Estimates Election and Registration 2000.00
Forest Fires 700.00
Garbage Collection 3600 00
Health 7500.00
Hydrant Rentals 7635 00
Interest on Debt 34368. 13
Cary Libi ary 11179 50
50±
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 500.00
A complete Survey of the Drainar;e Are s
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 ;.u.p to nei.ng paid
to Mr. Pierce of $2550.
The Chairman reported th_.t the Board of Assessors had
requested an increase in pa frog- $200 to $300 per year.
All members of the Board were in favor except the Chairman Assessors
The Board discussed the matter and voted to approve
the anpropriat-on 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 trove up Elizabeth Nourse from the Warden
position of Teller to Deputy Wa-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.
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