HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-04-10573.
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
APRIL 102 1934.
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at
the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday, April
10, 1934 at 7:30 P. M. Messrs, Trask, Gilcreast, Ferguson,
Lyons, and O'Connell were present at the meeting. The Clerk
was also present.
Mr. Fred Longbottom, Building Inspector, came before the
Board,talso Mr. Caterino, Senior, and Junior, and a represen-
tative, to talk about the stand which had been started by Mr.
Caterino and Mr. Longbottom ordered him to stop owing to the
fact that he was putting up a structure contrary to the Build -
Ing Law.
Mr. Caterino wanted to put up an open air market with a
canvas covering and chicken wire on the lower part of the stand.
His attorney stated that there must have been some misunder-
standing about the matter as Mr. Caterino went ahead and
spent some money putting up the frame and was then stopped.
The Chairman informed those present that there would be
a protest from the citizens of the town if such a stand was
allowed, and it was not the Board's intention to allow an
open air market unless he could meet the requirements of the
zoning end building laws. The Board did not feel that it was
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fair to the persons who have to pay high rent in the stores.
Mr. Caterino's attorney stated that these stands were
allowed in Arlington and Brookline and other towns and he did
not see why it could not be allowed here. He stated that the
rent was to be $3<. per month and he had already made a pay-
ment of the rent and he would lose that.
The Board informed him that they would discuss the matter
and the Building Inspector would inform Mr. Caterino what should
be done about the matter.
The Building Inspector was requested to consult with
Mr. Wrightington over the telephone and inquire whether or
not Mr. Caterino could sell from a truck on this location as
he suggested he might do.
The Building Inspector later in the evening reported
that the Town Counsel informed him that a stand such as Mr.
Caterino Int6nded-to put up could not be construed as a tem-
porary stand inasmuch as it was to be permanent, also that
he did not believe r- crmld sell from a truck on tM,lbt in-
t6mucheab,the �baildingfla*u t0gdires retail stores for the sale
of products,.;.but_however, if Mr. Caterino put up an iron or
metal building he could do so under the present building law.
Mr. Joseph Kelley was the only person present at the
hearing and stated that he though a stand of this type would
be a detriment to the town.
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The Board decided that the building inspector should in-
form Mr. Caterino that they would not permit him to maintain
an open air market on the location between the Seligman and
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Wilson blocks and that he would have to remove
the part of thre
structure already put up.
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The Town Engineer and Supt. of the Water &
Sewer Dept.
cnme before the Board with a petition presented
to them by
the residents of Bow St. section asking that the sewer be ex-
tended from Theresa Avenue in Bow Street to the
end of Bow St.
at Rawson Avenue, in Rawson Avenue, Rindge Avenue and Winn
Avenue.
Mr. Ross reported that the sewer was very
much needed in
that section, but it appeared from the list of
applicants that
a great many of them would be unable to pay for
the sewer, some
now being in arrears in their taxes. The Board
requested the
Town Engineer to present figures to the Board on
the cost of
installing the sewer in the streets requested.
It was voted to grant licenses to the following:
Theodore Sheffres, Lizreth St. Junk License
Frederick B. Hubley, Summit Rd. Auctioneer's License
A. S. Duren, Carlisle, Mass. Garbage Collection
State Aid returns for the months of January, February and
March were signed by the Board.
The Board signed the Warrant for the Party Primary to be '
held on April 24th.
At 8:00 P. M. hearing was declared open upon application
of Harry Johnson for permission to erect two garages on Taft
Avenue.
Mr. Johnson did not appear, therefore there was no action
taken on the matter.
Letter was received from the First National Bank of Boston
enclosing check of t2250. the same be'np 10� of the payment
on eccount of the legacies to the town under the will of Miss
Amy E. Tavlor under Articles 30, 30 and 41 of the will.
These articles provide for a Flag fund, a tree fund4and perpe-
tual care of her father's lot. The check was turned over to
the Trustees of Public Trusts, under whose care all trust funds
are placed.
Letter was received from the Clerk of the Board of Regis-
trars of Voters stating that Mr. Leon Truesdell was appointed
Chairman of the Registrars of Voters.
Letter was received from the Adams Parent Teacher Associa-
tion for the use of Cary Memorial Hall free of charge on May
18th.
Matthew Zubowitch of 136 Oak St. was drawn as a Juror for '
the Criminal Session)t Cambridge.
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' Letter was received from Dr. Wm. L. Barnes in which he
asked whether or not the Board would approve the expenditure
of funds for, the iminuh'izatinn o°f alnew lot of children this
fall and for giving the Schick test to the children that were
immunized last November against Diphtheria. He stated that
the expense would be within the usual allotment of the
Board of $100. He also called attention to the fact that the
State Department of Health will soon be able to vouch for im-
munization against Scarlet Bever.
The Board voted to a]low the usual amount of 0100 for
this work to be done in the Schools by the School Physician.
The Building Inspector reported that the tenant had
moved from the property of James A. Bean where he was doing
a business in violation of the Zoning Law.
Tre Board therefore voted to notify the Town Counsel
that be would not have to proceed against Mr. and Afars. Bean
for any violation for the use of their property.
Notice was received of a hearing on the bill to appro-
priate an additional amount of money for the Middlesex Tuber-
culosis Hospital, hearing to be held on April 12th at 10:30
A. M., State House.
' Letter was received from George A. and Esther L. Cal-
derwood, Allen Street, in which complaint was made of the
odors and filth and swarms of flies from the piggeries in
that vicinity. They also suggested that the new school house
was experiencing trouble from swarms of flies.
The Board decided to regiaeat the Health Inspector to
make a report of the conditions and also to write the School
Committee inquiring about their experience of flies.
Letter was received from the Department of Public Works
acknowledging the letter of the Board relative to providing
the drainage under the new Cambridge Concord highway as re-
commended by Metcalf and Eddy and stating that the road was
being built.under P. W. A. and unless the Town of Lexington
desires to come in for its share it would be difficult to in-
crease the expense at this time.
This situation was previously explained to the Board
and by the Chairman and it was felt that the Town did not have
the money to contribute and also that it would not be proper to
ask the State to renew their request under P. W. A. to cover
the cost of this work.
Letter was received from the Supt. of Public Works in
response to the complaint of Matthew Zubowitch of 136 Oak
Street, that the town did not replace his driveway in the
condition it was in before Taft Avenue was constructed. Mr.
Scamman stated that his driveway was not fixed at that time
and thot it was only evened and covered with pea stone and
the frost coming out causes ruts in the driveway. He recom-
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mended that the driveway be excavated a few inches and filled- '
with good coarse gravel and a cover of bituminous material and
pea stone, as the driveway was in good condition before the
grade of the street was changed and he was promised that the
work would be done.
The Board voted to instruct the Supt. of Public Works to
have this work done.
Letter was received from Mr. James Little of the Lexington
Manor asking that the st reets which were accepted by the
Town recently, namely, Blake Road, Eaton Road and Gleason Road,
be constructed at an early date, also that the excavation mat-
erial be dumped on that section of Bertwell Road that the town
will be asked to accept in the near future.
The Supt of Public Works stated that he had no objection
to dumping the material on Bertwell Road as it would mean a
short haul for the department.
Application for approval of Board of Survey plan of street
on land of John H. Millican, Burlington Street, was received.
It being customary to turn applications over to the
Planning Board for study of the entire section, it was voted
that this be done and Mr. Millican so notified.
Letter was received from Mr. Ross in which he stated that
the blasting was done on Bedford Street in November, 1933. It ,
was decided to request further information from Mr. Ross as
he did not furnish the information in regard to blasting on
Tewksbury and Shirley Streets.
The Chairman reported that complaints had been received
relative to the use of Forest Street by trucks so that they
could avoid the traffic lights at the Corner of Waltham St.
& Nass. Avenue.
The Supt. of Public Works was requested to have a traffic
count made to find out whether there is any justification for
this complaint.
Complaint was received from Euguene Duckley in reference
to the new fire whistle that is being tried out. He stated that
there is a lot of vibration in the Grant Street section from
this whistle.
The Chairman stated that ithis whistle was only being
tried out by the Fire Dept. so that they could get a whistle
that could be heard on the outskirts of the town.
Letter was received from Sarah Eddy Holmes acknowledging
the Board's letter reintive to painting the signs given by her
to the Town 1A memory -of her father.
Letter was received from Police Officer Frank T. Neal in '
which he stated that he again talked over the matter of damage
to Mrs. Marshall's property with the parents of the children
' who did the damage and explained his intention of starting
court proceedings against the children.
Letter was received from Willard C. Hill enclosing en-
dorsement covering the boiler insurance on the Central Fire
Station on Meriam Street. He also stated that he was unable
to increase the limits of the,oiler insurance to $25,000. on
the Central Fire Station Cary Memorial Library and Hancock School
without additional charge.
Order was prepared for the Board to sawn in reference to
the installation of a sewer in Woburn Street to the house
of Mrs. Bridget Leary, as voted by the Board at the last meet-
ing.
The Town Engineer was present and brought up the ques-
tion of assessment of betterments on this property. The
Supt. of the Sewer Department estimated the cost of the con-
struction of 180 feet to be $750, but the Town Engineer thought
that this amount could not be a?sessed against Mrs. Leary's
property as the property would.:not be benefitted that much.
He also felt that according to the form of order drawn up
that he would have to assess the property according to Chap-
ter 221 of the Acts of 1926. He suggested, however, that the
Board might make an abatement if' the whole amount was assessed.
' The property opposite this property has already been entered
into the sewer and has been assessed, therefore no assessment
could be levied on this parcel.
It was decided to exi.lain the situation to the Town
Counsel and ask his opinion on the matter.
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J Letter was received from the Health Inspector in which
he enclosed evidence of dumping on Bowker Street by'the road-
side by residents in the vicinity. He suggested that they
all be requested to clean up the dump and not to maintain
the dump in the future.
T} -e Board voted to give an order of Jane E. Keating of
11 Bowker St., Shirley L. Smith, 13 Bowker Street, and Her-
bert YJller of 10 Bowker Street to clean up the duml within
a week and to cease dumping in the vicinity in the fut,ire.
The Board signed the contract for the construction bf
the Standpipe Foundation in triplicate and John H. Dacey
signed the contractors signature for Patrick F. Dacey to whom
the contract was awarded.
It was voted to send an order to the Watertown Coopera-
tive Bank to have the ce.rpool at #90 Outlook Drive cleaned out
inasmuch as it is now in worse condition than when complained
of before and they did not lay any attention to letter pre-
viously written requesting them to clean out the cesspool.
It was voted aslo to send a letter to Mrs. Hudi Katekoff
of 246 Hyde Park Avenue, Forest Hills, who owns the property
at 479 Waltham St. and upon whose property there is a dilap-
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stated shack one side of which has slreadg fallen down and the I other three sides are falling; down, and request that she have
the shack removed.
Report was received from Mr. Stevenson in reference to the
Condinho cesspool on Waltham St^eet that it had been dumped out
and was all right. He also reported the bad, uncleanly condi-
tion of the house of James Keefe in which the Blondit family
live, and state that he ordered the house cleaned up. He found
the cellar had been cleaned up somewhat on second visit, but
the conditions up stairs were fi.lty. He ordered Mr. Keefe to
clean the privy on the property.
Mr. Stevenson celled attention to the fact that Mr. Fitz-
gerald of 66 Hancock St. now has one cow and four calves and that
the place should be condemned and no cattle allowed to be kept
on the premises_
When John Fitzgerald, owner of the property at 66 Hancock
Street was before the Board, he stated that he would get rid of
the cows on April lst. The Board therefore voted to notify Mr.
Fitzgerald that he could no longer keep cows on the premises.
Mr. Albert Ross discussed with the Board whether or not
the back filling of the trunk line sewer should be done by ma-
chine or by hand.
The Chairman reported that ten men on the F. E. R. A were ,
put to work digging the trench for the main to the standpipe.
After discussing the matter of whether or not the work of
back filling of the sewer trench be done by machine or hand, it
was-deelded to have Mr. Ross do the work in Brandon Street by
hand to see how much it would cost, and report to the Board.
In reference to the claim of Farwell E. and Annie L.
Thayer of Winter Street through whose property a spring is
flowing, alleged by them to have been caused by the blasting in
that vicinity, it was voted to accept the recommendation of the
Supt. of Public Works in this case and extend a ripe to be con -"c
netted with a catch basin to be installed in Winter Street, imo-
viding the Town Counsel can secure a release from Mr. and Mrs.
Thayer for further damage.
Letter was received from Mrs. Walter Brenton of Old
County Road in which she called attention to the fact that a
very large tree located on her premises takes all the water
from her well in the summer time causing the well to go dry,
and asked that it be removed.
Mr. Gilcreast called attention to the fact that unless the
roots are removed the water will still be drawn from the well.
The Board decided to have the tree removed, but to inform
Mrs. Brenton that if the well runs dry after the tree is removed '
that it will be her own responsibility.
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Nr. Scamman presented bids on sand and gravel as follows:
R. H. Stevens.
Fine, screened brick sand .......... ............11.00 per ton.
Coarse, screened tar sand f1/8 to'3/8 opening).. .90 n r,
#1 Washed crushed stone (not less than
75� crushed)........... 1.30 'r ++
#2 Washed crushed stone (rot less than
50 crushed)........... 1.30 n rr
Clean washed Pea Stone .......................... 1.40 If rr
Crushed Bank Gravel $nothing larger than two
inches 60jc stone, spread
to any depth as directed
by Supt.} .................. 1.00
„ n
Rough Bank Gravel (60% stone cf good binding
quality) .................... .50 n rr
A charge of 20� per ton for all
material shovelled from
our truck, by your men, or putting same
through spreader.
Boston Sand & Gravel
Company
Washed and screened sand
01.25 per net ton
Washed and screened gravel
1.75 ++
n n
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Terms: 1ja on the 10th of the month
following delivery
of the
material.
Clematis Brook Sand and
Gravel Company
Screened fine sand
$1.25
per ton.
Screened coarse sand (1/6 to 3/8)
1.15
t' It
Clean washed Yea Stcne
1.75
If It
#1 Washed crushed stone
1.60
If it
#2 It tt it
Crushed bank gravel (Nothing larger
than
2 inches to be spread where indicated)
1.40
Rough bank gravel good binding
quslity 60% stone
.70
n If
Lexington Sand and
Gravel Company
#5 Nason sand
j1.10
per net ton.
#4 Concrete Sand
1.00
++ If it
#1 Gravel
1.45
If it "
#2 Gravel
1.45
" it "
#3 Pea Gravel
1.60
" if "
Crushed Bank Gravel
1.1.5
'+ If "
Run of Bank Gravel
1.60
" " if
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The above are based -on deliverinv
and dumping in
truckload
lots. In cases where your employees
shovel loads off
in piles, the
additional charge will be 252 per ton
to cover extra trucking
time.
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It was voted to award the bid to Rupert H. Stevens, the
lowest bidder. '
Supt. also presented bids on vitrified clay pipe as fol-
lows:
Bay State Builders Supply Company
#1 Sewer Pipe in sizes ranging from 4" to 24" inclusive in
2 ft. lengths list less 671c f. o. b.
Lexington Lumber Company
#}1 salt glazed vitified sewer pipe, subject to reasonable
variation and change:
2000 feet 6"
2600 e a"
1600 " 10"
2000 " 12"
900 " 15"
all standard pipe in 2 ft. lengths, at 67% discount from
list; terms, net cash.
Palmer Clay Products Company
On approximately ten carloads of #1 Salt Glazed Vitri-
fied Clay Sewer Pipe, sized from 3" to 24", standard strength '
in 2 foot lengths, we quote you 67% discount from list.
It was voted to give the Lexington Lumber Co. 50% of
the business for furnishing pipe at the prices quoted.
Mrs. John Sexton came before the Board on behalf of her
mother, Mrs. Bridget Leary, and inquired what would have to
be done to place her property back in the business zone.
The Board informed her that she would have to petition
to change the Zoning Laws to have the property returned inas-
much as the Town voted to place her property in the residence
district.
Mr. Samuel B. Chapman of Maple Street came before the
Board in regard to his water being shut off. He stated that
he owes about four quarters and that he had not been employed
by Mr. Ryder for'the past two years and he had been endeavor-
ing on his own piece of property to take care of himself, and
that he had been able to get along except that he was back in
some of his bills. He had some chickens on the property and
the water bill ran slightly over the regular charge each
month although there were only he and his wife in the family.
He stated that within a few months he would be able to make
some sort of payment on the bill. He asked that the Board '
have the water turned on. He had made every effort to have
the Home Loan take over his property but was unsuccessful.
The Board informed him that they would have a lien placed
upon the property and that they would have the water turned
on, and he agreed to make a payment as soon as possible.
Mr. Mitchell reported having received application from
Mrs. Leslie E. Belcher of Adams Street and he suggested that
the case be Made a Mother's Aid case inasmuch as there are
three childrenr__Aid was requested also to take care of the
undertaker's bill for her husband who passed away very re-
cently.
Mr. Mitchell was to get further information in regard
to the condition of the family, and it was therefore decid-
ed to leave the matter with him.
Application for assistance was received from George H.
and Louise Russell who reside with their son who is employed
on the highway department. The man is paralyzed on one side
and the case has been aided for the past six or eight years by
the State. They lived in Cambridge recently where they were
paid $10. per week. They felt that they could live with the
c/sdn�)more reasonably.
Mr. Mitchell recommended that they be granted $6. per
week and the Board approved his recommendation.
Application was received from Thomas F. Costello for
aid. His child was sent to the hospital on recommendation of
' Dr. Hardcastle and is in the Lexington Free Bed in the hospi-
tal with pneumonia and there will be a charge for extras such
as x-rays.
Mr. Mitchell reported that he owned his house assessed
for 4.4000. with a mortaage of 6'1000.•held by the sister of his
wife. It was thought. that there was additional property owned
by Mr. Costello in Cambridge and Mr. Mitchell was requested
to look into the matter to find out whether or not this was
so; also to find out whether or not the mortgage was a straight
mortgage.
In regard to Sadie Langley who lives in the Martha Jones
house on Pleasant Street, Mr. Mitchell reported that she was
persistent in her efforts to move from Mrs. Jones' house and
he had Miss Harrington, Social Worker, visit Mrs. Langley and
she felt that if she could move into another house, that it
would be just as well provided Mrs. Jones would not lose out
on the proposition. Mrs. Langley was placed in the house as
a tenant so that Mrs. Jones could be helped and the Board
therefore left the matter with Mr. Mitchell to attend to,
to let,Mrs. Langley move provided it did not cause any hard-
ship to Mrs. Jones.
Mr. Archie Giroux'of Stratham Road came before the Board
' - and requested permission to use Cary Memorial Hall on April
16th for a mass meeting to which the public wolald be invited.
The purpose of the meeting was tb have the people hear
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Ithe petition which is being drawn up to be presented on April`
19th to Washington to set forth the views of the Committee on
the present Government conditions and what they think might
be brought forth. He stated that Mr. Robert Holt, Edwin B.
Worthen, Allan Rucker and others were at work drawing up the
petition so that it would be very carefully worded.
The Board voted to grant the use of the hall for this pur-
pose.
The Chairman reported that there would be about 2500
trees planted about the town and that he had written to resi-
dents of Hillside Terrace, Bertwell Road, No. Hancock Street,
Prospect Hill Road, and Bedford Street asking them to allow
the trees to be planted inside of the sidewalk.
Mr. O'Connell suggested that trees be planted on Vine
Street to hide the Mulvey apartment house which is an eyesore.
The Chairman reported that he had heard nothing from the
Boston & Maine Railroad in reference to the Bow Street signal,
The Chairman was requested to communicate with the railroad also
In reference to the signal at Fletcher Avenue as long as that
highway was to be made a public highway.
The Chairman reported in reference to the H. R. A. that
there Would be no compensation insurance provided for the em-
ployees. '
The motion of Mr. O'Connell to appoint Edward B. O'Connor
as Wire Inspector was not passed b7 the Board.
It was then voted to appoint Louis W. Bills as Wire In-
spector for the ,year ending March 31, 1936.
Mr. Carl Swenson of Albemarle Avenue came before the
Board in reference to obtaining more work. He stated that he
had two days at the School, but now Mr. Cavanaugh at the Han-
cock School wanted him to work four afternoons. He had to
pay additional carfares and he put in a bill to the School
Dept. for this.
The Chairman informed him that being a single man he could
not be aided more than the two days a week.
Mr. Fichette came before the Board in reference to the
damage done by the flood on Sept. 16, 1933.to the property of
Frank Mara his tenant in the block of stores located on Mass.
Avenue at the corner of Independence Avenue. The bill pre-
sented was in the amount of 162.00.
It was voted that the Chairman see Mr. Mara about the
bill to find out whether or not the bill was justified.
Mr. Pichette explained that the flood was caused by the
backing up of sand in the 18" pipe connected by the town to ,
the 12" pipe under his stores. He stated that there should
be a catch basin there outside of the stores to take care of
this water, but that when the sand was cleared awaq there
was no further trouble.
The meeting adjourned at 11:00 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
1
Clerk.
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