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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1935-10-14 loa H a, 0.23 SELECTMEN' S URFTING OCTOBER 14, 1935 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 7 30 P. M. Messrs. Ferguson, Lyons, Gilcreast and Potter were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. William Meadows of 1847 Mass . Avenue appeared before the Board to discuss the matter of his wife 's refusal to enter the Middlesex County Sanatorium. Meadows informed the Board that his wife was improving and that she thought that going to Middlesex would make her condition worse. The Chairman informed Meadows that the Sanatorium had reported that Mrs. Meadows was in very poor condi- tion and that Sanatorium treatment was strongly urged. Meadows He stated that the Board was considering particularly T.B. case the five children. If Mrs. Meadows were allowed to remain at home the children might contract the disease. Meadows stated that he would talk with his wife again and see what he could do to influence her to go to the hospital and also see what arrangements he could make with regard to the children. The Board instructed him to report to the Clerk within the next two or three days. Meadows was also informed that an appointment had been made to have the father and all five children examined at the Middlesex County Sanatorium on October 21st. Letter was received from Frederick W. Cook, Sec- retary of State, requesting a statement of character of Certificate Robert W. & Philip E. Perry of 35 Clarke Street, who, of with nine other persons not residents of Lexington, had Incorpor- filed an application for a certificate of incorporation ation. under the name of the Railroad Enthusiasts, Inc. The Board signed the certificate. Letter was received from the Building Inspector with regard to the barn which is in the rear of the Post Office. The. letter stated that the barn was owned by Mr. Harry Aldrich who is in poor physical and mental Barn in condition and is now living on Cape Cod. The letter rear of stated that Mr. Aldrich' s attorney expected to see Post Office Aldrich within a few days and that the matter would be taken up with him at that time. The Board felt that ir. Longbottom should not wait too long before making some recommendation as to the disposition of the matter. Mosquito Letter was received from Everett S. Emery in which pest, he stated that he had not received a reply to his letter Winning of Sept. 5th with regard to the elimination of a mosquito Farm. pest condition at the Winning Farm. Mr. Emery requested 101. that he be advised when he might present a plan of a proposed deepening of a portion of the bed of a brook running through the Winning Farm estate. The Board voted to request Yr. Emery to be present next Tuesday evening to discuss the matter. Letter was received from the Town Counsel in reply to the Board's letter of October 8th inquiring if Mrs. George H. B. Green of 1377 Mass. Avenue required a license inasmuch as she is engaged as a personal rep- resentative for a number of artists of various types. Mr. Wrightington stated that he did not believe that the Selectmen were obliged to give Yr. Green legal advice on the matter but that the Board should consider granting a license if he made application therefor. He Legal stated that if such an application were made that the Opinion re: Board should call Mr. Green's attention to the fact that license the Statute required that the person licensed "shall for maintain one or more offices in each city or town in personal which he is licensed to conduct his business". He also agent. stated that under the Zoning By-laws, Mrs . Green could not maintain such an office at her residence but would have to open an office in a business district. The Board voted to write Mr. Green and furnish him with the information contained in Mr. Wrightington's letter. Letter was received from the Director of the Middlesex County Extension Service stating that that organization would like to obtain the use of Cary Memorial Hall on October 25th for the purpose of getting the people together from various parts of Middlesex Use of Hall County for a general summary of its work and an educa- tional meeting. The motion was duly made and seconded that the Middlesex County Extension service be granted the use of the hall free of charge on October 25th, and it was so voted. Mr. P. J. Shannahan of Pleasant Street appeared be- fore the Board with reference to land damaged. Mr. Shannahan stated that he was not satisfied with the amount offered him for his land and that the matter was Shannahan going to be handled for him by Mr. Francis Burke. land The Board felt that it would be useless to discuss damages. the matter at this time inasmuch as Yr. Burke was not present and voted to request Mr. Shannahan and Mr. Burke to appear at next Tuesday' s meeting to discuss the matter. Letter was received from the Town Counsel advising the Board that it was necessary for him to wait for the Land Court Land Court plans before filing the land court registra- tion petitions on the Cahir and Cucinotta properties. The Chairman asked the Town Engineer when he thought he could start work on preparing these plans. 102 1-11 Mr. Cosgrove stated that he was working in the Lexington Z3+ Manor now and that he thought it would be nearly two months before he could start work on the Land Court li mans . When the work at the Manor is completed, the Engineers will have to start work on plans for the proposed Route #128. The Chairman asked Mr. Cosgrove what he thought it would cost to have an outside engineer prepare the plans, and Cosgrove stated that he thought it would cost between 175.00 and $100.00. The motion was duly made and seconded that Mr. Frank Cutter, Civil Engineer, be employed to do the necessary work and prepare the plans to be filed at the Land Court and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Supt. of Public Works giving the breakdown of his estimates for the department 's requirements for Snow Removal appropriation and Labor and Materials for W.P.A. , as follows SNOW REMOVAL. 3 plows $1000:00 100 ft . snow fence 150.00 Breakdown Construction of sidewalk on Snow plows 500.00 Removal & Repairs to truck snow plows 200.00 Labor & Labor 250.00 Materials, Truck hire 900.00 P.W.A. X3000.00 LABOR AND P.ATERIALS FOR W.P.A Scamman's Salary & car allowance - X810.00 Due Water Dept. for use of equip. 398.70 Due Highway Dept . for use of truck 260.00 Sewing unit 50.00 Mill Brook trucks 1400.00 " " materials 450.00 Clematis Brook trucks 500.00 materials 500.00 Waltl-am St . sidewalk trucks 500.00 " " " materials 500.00 First Aid 150.00 5518.70 Balance on hand 1526.00 43992.70 Appropriation required to meet this budget $4000.00 Letter was received from the Town Counsel in which Pichette he stated that he had received a bill for 390 yards of & Ahern fill on Grant Street from Ahern & Pichette. He stated case. that the sidewalk assessment owed the Town by this concern was for work done at the corner of Independence Ave. and Mass. Ave. and he had supposed that the 103 arrangement for set off of filling against granolithic construction related to the same sidewalk and that the dimensions would correspond. Mr. Wrightington asked to be informed definitely when the sidewalk construction was done. He stated further that under date of Sept. 28th he had written to Mr. Scamman asking for a statement as to the conversations with Ahern & Pichette in which he took part which was supposed to be the basis for the agreement of set off but that he did not receive a reply to his letter. The Board voted to request Por. Scamman to appear be- fore them on next Tuesday evening to discuss the matter and also to instruct him to answer Mr. Wrightington's letter of Sept. 28th. Letter was received from the County Commissioners stating that hrs . Hannam of 23 Lincoln Street had made another complaint with regard to the dogs which are kept Hannam by Mr. Hubert C. Grieves on Audubon Road. The letter complaint stated that the County Commissioners would much prefer re: dogs that the local Board handle the matter. The Board voted to request the Health Inspector to make another investigation of the premises and to forward his report to the County Commissioners . The Board discussed a bill in the amount of $740.00 which was received from Walter G. Black for work in place Bill for at the Stone Building. work on The Board felt that not enough work had been done to Stone Bldg. warrant a bill of this amount at the present time and instructed the Supt. of Public Works to check up on the matter, and that if in his judgment the bill was warranted, they would approve it. Senator Joseph R. Cotton appeared before the Board to discuss the proposed circumferential highway. The Town Engineer and Supt. of Public Works were also present. The Town Engineer reported that he had contacted the State about two weeks ago and was informed that before the Route State fixed the alignment of the new road through the Town, #128 they would come to Lexington and get the information that the Town Engineer has on hand. Mr. Cosgrove stated that he would like to have the road come to the east of the Cambridge Reservoir. Senator Cotton stated that he believed it would be a good idea also to have the road come to the east of the Reservoir as it would serve the Town of Lexington much better. The Chairman stated that it was the understanding of the Board that the State was planning to start work down Saugus way first and that the work in Lexington would be done last. He wondered if the plans could not be changed so that the work in Lexington might be done earlier. Senator Cotton replied that during the last year or two several links had been made in the vicinity of Wellesley and Dedham and that he understood that another 104 01 10-4 link was going to be made in North Woburn very soon. He believed that there was no chance of getting any work done in Lexington this year but that they would be working on the State budget in January. He suggested that the Town get all the data, maps, etc. ready by January. He stated that he believed that Lexington stood about fourth or fifth on the list of bad spots but that if Lexington contacted the city of Waltham and got together on the Route #128 matter, that it might be brought up to second or third place on the list. He believed it would be a good idea to stress the fact that Waltham Street had a great deal more traffic now due to the new Concord Turnpike, and he suggested that the Chief of Police keep a record of all accidents on Waltham Street He stated that there was going to be a State Planning Board very soon and as soon as this Board had been appointed he suggested that Lexington furnish it with all the data on hand. Senator Cotton stated that some time ago the Planning Board had contacted him and inquired if the State had provided additional land on the proposed new road for park purposes. The Planning Board was interested in having land in the middle of the road for park purposes. The Board felt that the maintenance of such park land would be too expensive but it did approve of having the State take a narrow strip in the center of the road merely for safety and then the State could maintain the strip as part of the highway. The Supt. of Public Works reported that he had received a letter from the Cemetery Commissioners re- questing that a new gateway be made at the lower end of Westview Cemetery on Westview Street. The Commissioners Gateway thought that if there was an entrance at this point, the at lower end of the cemetery would be more accessible, Westview especially in the winter season. Cemetery. The Chairman stated that he had visited the Cemetery with Mr. Trask and he thought that the reason for asking for an entrance was because there was some low land in the vicinity that could not be used for lots and that if there was a new entrance some of this low land could be drained. The Board felt that it would like more information on the matter before doing anything further and instructed the Supt. of Public Works to write the Cemetery Commission- ers requesting additional information. Office The Board voted to close the Town Office Building be- closed for tween the hours of 1 30 and 3 P. M. on Tuesday, October 15th, Byron C. out of respect to the memory of Byron C. Earle, Tax Earle. Collector, who died on October 12th. The Supt. of Public Works reported that the boiler Boiler at at the Stone Building had broken and that it had been Stone necessary to repair it immediately. He had therefor Building. engaged Mr. E. A. Webb to do the work and he submitted a bill for the same in the amount of $10.41 105 Yr. Gilcreast approved the rill, he being a member of the Finance Committee of the Library Trustees. Mr. Trask reported that upon receipt of the Boardts Corrected request to furnish the Postmaster with a corrected list list of of residents of Lexington over 20 years of age, he had street requested Mr. Spencer to make out a corrected list. He numbers. had just received this list and had turned it over to the Postmaster. Mr. Philip M. Pouleeys, who had an appointment to appear before the Board at 8 P.M. to discuss the Koines sewer service at 1404 Hass . Avenue, failed to appear. Mr. Trask stated that Ir. Ross had told Koines that Koines he could do his own digging for the sewer service, but cesspool that it would be necessary for the Sewer Department to lay the pipe. Inasmuch as Koines had failed to comply with the Board of Health order to abate the nuisance of his overflowing cesspool, the Board voted to turn the matter over to the Town Counsel for his attention. The Supt. of Tublic Works submitted a plan showing a proposed road which would take care of Fletcher Avenue traffic if that road were closed. The proposed road would Fletcher cost the Town approximately $25, 000. Avenue The Board voted to do nothing on the matter and felt crossing.. that if the railroad did come in and close up the street that the people would have to do the best they could. If an accident occurred on the railroad crossing, the rail- road would be liable. The Supt. of Public Works suggested that a two inch main be laid from the Arlington line to take care of the Robinson house and inquired if the Board wished to charge the property owners betterment assessments or if they Lowell St. were to be charged for the service only. Water Ext. The Board felt that the property owners should pay a betterment assessment if the main were installed. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Trask talk with Robinson and find out if he preferred to have the main installed or obtain an agreement from his neighbor giving him the right to maintain the pipe which is laid from the neighbor 's house to his own house. If Robinson obtains such an agreement from Hall, who lives next door, the Town will merely have to install meters and charge them both direct. The Supt. of Public Works reported that the culvert at East Lexington was going to be installed next week end between the hours of 7 P.M. on Saturday,October 19th and East 5 A.M. , Monday, October 21st. The Boston & Maine Railroad Lexington would have one of its cranes on the track, the Town will Culvert. have one and also there will be an A. Ross & Son crane. The railroad charges ";;85.00 for an 8 hour day for its crane. 106 CM rl Mr. Trask reported that he had had the street light Oa changed on Hamblin Street from in front of the Edkins Street house to the corner of Bellflower Street and that Mr. II Light, Edkins complained that he now did not receive sufficient Hamblin light. Mr. Trask thought that Edkins was receiving suffi- Street. tient light and that one light on the street was Sufficient inasmuch as there were only two residences. The Board therefor decided to make no change in the light. The Board then discussed the articles in the Warrant for the Town Meeting to be held on October 21st as follows: Art. 2. Mr. Trask reported that it would cost the Town Articles $20.00 per light per year. in Art. 3. Public Welfare, x$,'8000.00; Snow Removal, $3000.00 Warrant. Art. 4. No discussion. Art. 5. 84000.00 to be transferred. Art. 6. Sufficient Funds in appropriation. The job will cost approximately $1000.00. Art. 7. ,: 93,000.00 to be borrowed. Art. 8. 0195,000.00 to be borrowed. Art. 9. 500.00. Art. 10. $ 1749.81 to be transferred. Art. 11. No discussion. Letter was received from Mr. Tracy W. Ames of , j Insurance,. 2 Highland Avenue requesting that he be given consideration when the Town is placing insurance. The Board voted to advise Mr. Ames that his letter would be placed on file for future reference. The Board of Appeals order of findings on the petition Dacey, of Mildred A Dacey to alter the one family dwelling at Board of 18 Muzzey Street to accommodate more than one family was Appeals read by the Chairman. The Board of Appeals had granted order. the permit. The Board signed certificate of the following abatements Abatements. SEWER DEPARTMENT ABATEMENTS No. Name Reason for Abatement Amount Com. Date 1157 John F. Shaw Vote of Board of $1412.75 7-23-35 Selectmen 8/27/35 1168 Town of Arl. Vote of Board of 105.02 7-23-35 Selectmen 8/27/35 Total Sewer Abatements . . . . .$1517.77 I 107 WATER DEPARTMENT ABATEMENTS No. Name Reason for Abatement Amount Com. Date 67 Elizabeth Storer Vote of Board of $38.70 10-15-35 Selectmen at meeting 8/27/35 69 Michael Tierney Vote of Board of 54.00 10-15-35 Selectmen at meeting 8/27/35 Total Water Abatements . . . . . .92.70 The report of the Supt. of Public Works for the week ending October 12, 1935, was received and approved. Report. The E.R.A. report for the week ending October 10 was E.R.A. received and approved. Report. Report of the Dog Officer for the year 1935 showing Report that all dogs in town have been licensed, was received of Dog and approved. Officer. The Board certified the following Betterment Assess- ments SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENTS Betterment Assessments. TAFT AVENUE No. Name Lot No. No. Sq. Ft. Assessment 1169 Harry E. Johnson #7 8,820 1157.11 1070 Mass. Ave. , Arlington 1170 Harry E. Johnson 8 9,300 165.66 Same 1171 Harry E. Johnson 33 9,150 162.99 Same CARY STREET 1172 Harry E. Johnson #34 7,500 1133.60 Same 1173 Harry E. Johnson 35 7,830 139.48 Same 1174 Harry E. Johnson 37 8,620 153.55 Same 1175 Harry E. Johnson 38 8,480 151.05 Same 108 cal VINE STREET Cia No. Name Lot No. No. Sq. Ft. Assessment ' pOtterment Assessments. 1176 Bridget Leary 9,370 $166.91 23 Waltham St. Rates for above assessments $ .017813 per sq. ft. BLAKE AVENUE 1177 Hallie C. Blake $364.25 50 Meriam St. ,Lexington Total Assessments $1594.60 The Board discussed the matter of appointing a Tax Collector to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Byron C. Earle. Appointment The Chairman read Section 61A of Chapter 41 where, in of particular, it states that the Selectmen shall appoint a Tax temporary officer to serve until a successor to a deceased Collector. officer is appointed or elected in accordance with law, but that no such temporary officer shall be appointed to serve for a period longer than sixty days. The motion was duly made and seconded that Eleanor M. Lowe be appointed Collector of Taxes and Town Collector for a period not to exceed sixty days, and it was so voted. The motion was duly made and seconded that a special Special election be held, on November 18th, 1935, to elect a Election collector of taxes and Town collector to complete the unexpired term of Byron C. Earle, and it was so voted. The Board also voted that the polls are to be kept open from 12 noon to 8 P.M. The Town Accountant appeared before the Board and Money in stated that there was about $1700.00 in the Reserve Fund Reserve at the present time . He stated further that the Board Fund. could not declare an emergency due to money needed in the Tax Collector's Account . The Board felt that it would be necessary to ask for additional funds at a Town Meeting to be held some time in the future. At 10: 05 P.M. , Mr. John E. Gilcreast resigned as a Resignation.member of the Board of Selectmen and the Board voted to accept his resignation and he retired. The Board discussed Mr . Gilcreast's resignation, and Selectmen at 10: 15 P.R . voted that the Warrant for the election to to be be held on November 18th should include the election of elected. two Selectmen, the term of one to expire in March 1936 and the other to expire in March 1937. 109 The Welfare Agent reported that Mrs . Jean Thomas had been receiving Old Age Assistance in Somerville, but that Old Age she had come to live in Lexington with her daughter, Mrs. Assistance, Arthur Lee. Mrs . Thomas was receiving $3.00 a week when Thomas . she left Somerville, but Mr. Mitchell recommended that she be paid 54.00 per week and the Board voted to approve the recommendation. The Welfare agent reported that he had visited Elisha Otis of 868 Mass . Avenue, who is still receiving $7.00 per week Old Age Assistance. Mr. Otis now needs Otis case. fuel and had requested that he be given iiore money. His daughter, Mrs. Whitfield, is being aided in the amount of 13.00 per week at the present time and Mr. Mitchell recommended that the aid be increased $1.00 per week to take care of fuel, and. the Board voted to approve the recommendation. The Welfare agent reported that Norman Pero, Sr. had requested that his aid be increased in the amount of Pero aid. $1.00 per week, but the Board declined to grant his re- quest. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 P.M. A true record, Attest 111 Clerk.