HomeMy WebLinkAbout1936-02-111292
Traffic at
Meriam St,
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
FEB. 11th, 1936. '
A regular meeting of the Se7_ee.tmen.was held in
the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 7:.30
P.M. Chairman Ferguson, and Messrs. Lyons,. Giroux
and Clark were present. The Clerk was also present.
At 8: P.M.. a group of people from the Meriam Hill
section of the Town appeared before the Board to discuss
the matter of installing traffic lights at the junction
of Meriam Street and Mass. Avenue. Mr. Lawrence
Burnham was spokesman for the group. He submitted
to the Board a petition signed by 132 people requesting
that immediate steps be taken to protect the lives
of the citizens at this point by installing automatic
signal lights to be.connected with the Fire Dept.
headquarters so.that same might be operated when the
apparatus reported to an alarm. Mr. Burnham stated
that there was a danger on account of the apparatus
entering and leaving the firehouse, and also.that there
was great.difficulty in entering Mass. Avenue on
account of the traffic as there was a green arrow
which allowed the people to,go up Bedford Street '
without stopping. He stated that pedestrians could
not go across,Mass..Avenue at Clarke Street as there
was either a green or red light at all times.
The Chairman asked if -Mr. Burnham thought that
the 45o angle,parking made the entrance to Meriam
Street any more dangerous and if parallel parking
would eliminate the danger. Mr. Burnham replied
that he believed that the angle parking did cause
danger and that parallel parking would not relieve
the situation.
Dr. Clarence Shannon asked if the Board had any
information as to the traffic count which was made
at this corner some time ago. He stated that not
only the streets but also the sidewalks were staggered
at this junction, which was a bad factor and that the
situation could not -be bettered until the Central
Block was torn down.
The Chairman stated that the Board would have to
petition the State Board of Public Works for a traffic
count at Meriam Street and Mass. Avenue before anything
might be done and he informed the group that such a
petition would be submitted and the group retired.
The Board discussed the matter with the Supt.
of Public Works who stated that there were traffic
lights within 200 feet of the junction in question
and that if additional lights were installed, they
would have to be synchronized. He stated that there
' were five types of traffic at this point now; there
is southerly traffic on Bedford Street and Mass.
Avenue and northerly traffic on Bedford Street and
Mass. Avenue, and traffic on Meriam and Clarke Streets.
He stated that the State Board of Public Works had
already been requested to make a traffic count and
make its recommendation on the whole situation.
C
1
Letter was received from Mr. T. A. Custance pro-
testing against certain actions of the Police Department
with reference to the tagging of two cars which were
parked in the driveway in front of Cary Memorial Hall
while the owners were attending the services at the
Baptist Church. • Mr. Custance stated that he did
not think such tagging was necessary from a traffic
point of view and as far as he knew, there was no
regulation prohibiting parking in this driveway.:
He stated that within an hour and a quarter after
these two cars were tagged, there were several more
parked there which were not tagged and he asked why
the two cars in question were discriminated against.
Mr. Custance stated that he would be pleased to work
with the Board on any plan for the better care of
traffic and also invited the Board to attend the
sessions of the Briggs Class which are held each
Sunday from 12 to l o'clock.
The matter was.discussed with the Supt. of Public
Works who stated that he knew about the tagging of
the.cars and thought that it was all right as it was
his understanding that the Board had requested the
pastor of the Baptist Church to advise his parishoners
that there was to be no parking in the driveway.
The Board advised Mr. Trask that the pastor of the
church had merely been requested to suggest to his
parishoners that they park in the rear of the Cary
Memorial Building rather than in the driveway.
However, it was the feeling of the Board that parking
should be allowed in the driveway in front of the Cary
Memorial Building for business purposes only, and
Mr. Giroux made a motion to that effect. Mr. Clark
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
293
Parking in
Driveway,
Cary Mem.
Building,
Mr. Russell B. Allen and Mr. E. H. Ballard appeared
before the Board to discuss the matter of a water guaranty
which Mr. Allen had signed for the extension of a water
main on Wood Street and which Mr. Ballard signed as
surety. Mr. Allen has paid nothing on the a'eeount,and
at the present time there is over $400.00 due. He
informed the Board that he had been sued by the Town
Counsel for $25,000.00. Mr. Allen stated that when
he filed the bond, he was told that everybody on the
street was going to sign it, but they did not. The
Chairman asked who gave him that idea, and he replied
that Mr. Custance and Mr. Trask did. The Chairman
asked if Mr. Allen had talked the matter over with
294
Letter was received from Eugene J. Viano, Chair-
man of the Traffic Committee of the Lexington Board
of Trade, requesting that the Board give consideration
to the following suggestions:
1. That the zone of one hour parking be extended
from the Colonial Garage to Clark Street on
the westerly side of Mass. Avenue and from Grant
Parking
Street to Meriam on the easterly side of Mass. Ave.
the Town Counsel and he replied that he had not and
2. That no U turns: -bb permitted on Mass. Avenue
'Traffic
that the property was out of his hands now.
regulations.
Allen
Mr, Ballard stated that he understood that no one
extending.the one hour parking zone for the following
Water
could get water unless they signed a bond but that
Guaranty.
several people had been given water without signing.
want to park her car in back of the Town Office Building,
He stated that he realized that he was legally responsible
if he was going to have a haircut. However, the
for the bond but he did not think that it was fair.
Board felt that.it would be a good idea to extend
The.Chairman suggested that they see the Town
Mr. Trask stated that. the Police were in favor
Counsel to see.what kind of a settlement they could
'
of having no U turn between Grant Street and Meriam
make with him. Mr. Allen asked if Mr. Wrightington
had the authority to make any kind of a settlement
that he wished, and the chairman informed him that
he did and they retired.
Application was received from Roberta Green of
1377 Mass. Avenue for permission to use Cary Memorial.
Use of
Hail on Friday, Mareh 27th, for the purpose of holding
Hall.
a 1 cture. Cdr, Giroux moved that the Su t. of Public Works
instructed lecture
be to•find out the nature of the and re-
port on the matter next week, and it was so voted.
The Clerk stated that Mrs. Mary D. Hatch of
Watertown Street had telephoned to find out what the
Board was going to do in the matter of her land damages
and stated that she would not accept less than 0650.
The Chairman explained that the Board had previously
voted to pay Mrs. Hatch not more than $400. for damages.
Mr. Clark moved that Mrs. Hatch be notified
that the Board had not changed its mind and that
$400. was what the Board was prepared to offer. Mr.
Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from Eugene J. Viano, Chair-
man of the Traffic Committee of the Lexington Board
of Trade, requesting that the Board give consideration
to the following suggestions:
1. That the zone of one hour parking be extended
from the Colonial Garage to Clark Street on
the westerly side of Mass. Avenue and from Grant
Parking
Street to Meriam on the easterly side of Mass. Ave.
and
2. That no U turns: -bb permitted on Mass. Avenue
'Traffic
between Meriam Street and Grant Street.
regulations.
The Chairman stated that he was not in favor of
extending.the one hour parking zone for the following
reasons: if a wp
omen came up on a rainy day,
for instance, to have her hair done, she would not
want to park her car in back of the Town Office Building,
or a man would not want to have to walk that distance
if he was going to have a haircut. However, the
Board felt that.it would be a good idea to extend
the zone.
Mr. Trask stated that. the Police were in favor
'
of having no U turn between Grant Street and Meriam
Street as there had been several near accidents.
1
1
-295
Mr. Giroux moved that the following amendments
to the Traffic Regulation be adopted. Mr. Lyons,
seconded the motion and it was so voted:
SECTION 14. PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS.
Amend by striking out
Bedford Street. On the easterly side from
Hancock Street to Johnsonts Garage.
And inserting
Bedford Street. On the westerly side from
Hancock Street to the southerly entrance Amendments.
to Newcomb & Dailey's Garage.
SECTION 17. TIME LIMITED IN DESIGNATED PLACES. No person
shall park a vehicle for longer than one
hour at any time, between the hours of nine
a. m. and six p. m, of any day except Sundays
and public holidays in the following des-
cribed streets or parts thereof: -
On the easterly side of Massachusetts
Avenue from Grant Street to Meriam Street.
On the westerly side of Massachusetts
Avenue from the northerly entrance of the
Colonial Garage to Clarke Street.
On the northerly side of Muzzey Street
between Massachusetts Avenue and the rear
entrance to Lexington Trust Company.
On both sides of Waltham Street from
Massachusetts Avenue for a distance of
one hundred and fifty feet.
Mr. Trask stated, that he had been asked by the
Board of Trade to insert an article in the Warrant to
see if the Town would vote to set aside a section of
Depot Park for highway purposes to be used for a park-
ing'area. He stated that it would cost about $2000.
to excavate the area and get it in shape and that the
parking space wold be increased so as to accommodate
75 cars where it can now accommodate only 40. The
Board of Trade thought that this would solve the park-
ing problem for the next ten years. Mr. Trask stated
that there was a moral obligation involved in that
Depot Park was purchased by private individuals but
was deeded to the•Town direct from the railroad and
that there was a 199 year clause limiting it to be used
for parking purposes which was to be kept by mutual
agreement between the Town and the railroad.
Parking,
Depot Sq.
296
Articles
re purchase
of
Depot Sq.
He had also been requested to insert an article
in the Warrant to see if the Town would vote to take
by purchase or byEminent Domain, land now owned by
the Boston & Maine Railroad for highway.purposes, the
same being the entrance and exit to the railroad station
at Lexington Center. He thought that the land would
cost approximately $3000.00.
The Chairman stated that the Town would expend
$5000. and would lose $3000, or $4000. worth of tax-
able property and would have to put in lights and main-
tain them, and he thought that there was a question
as to whether or not the parking situation was so
acute at t he,present time that the Board should
recommend the purchase of the property. He stated
that he would prefer, if the Board of Trade thought
that the parking problem was so acute, that they put
the article in the Warrant themselves.
Mr. Clark moved that no action be taken on the
matter at the present time in view of the Board's
efforts to keep the tax rate down. Mr. Lyons seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
The Chairman asked what the feeling of the Board
was in -regard to inserting the articles in the Warrant.
He stated that he would like to have the articles
inaerted in the Warrant and then when people complained
of the parking situation, the Board could say that
the voters turned the articles down.
Mr. Giroux felt that a letter should be written
to the Board of Trade stating that the Board was not
in favor of inserting the articles in the Warrant as
they were endeavoring to keep down the .tax rate.
The Board felt that when this had been done, the Board
of Trade would know how the Selectmen felt and if
they wished to petition that the-artieles be inserted
in the Warrant, they could.
Mr. Trask asked the Board what they wished done
about the sanding of unaccepted streets. Mr. Giroux
Sanding asked what had been done in the past and Mr. Trask
unaccepted stated that a few had been sanded. Mr. Clark moved
streets. that unaccepted streets be sanded and that Mr. Trask
be instructed to use his own judgment on the matter
as to when the streets are to be sanded. Mr. Lyons
seconded the motion'and it was so voted.
01
Mr. Trask -asked the Board's opinion as to when
water should be shut off for non-payment of rates and
when a water lien should be recorded. The Board felt
Shutting
that the water should be shut off before liens were
off of
filed and that Mr. Trask should use his own judgment
Water,
in the matter and that the Board would sustain his
judgment. Mr. Lyons moved that Mr. Trask be requested
to submit a list on April 6th of all water takers who
were more than six months in arrears and that the Board
take action on the matter at that time. Mr. Giroux
seconded the motion and it was so voted,
01
'
Mr. Trask informed the Board that a few years ago
the price per foot for the installation of water services
was reduced to $1.00 per foot if the Town did all the
work and $.45 per foot if the owner did his own digging.
In the past couple of years, however, the cost had
been running higher and the flat rate is not covering
the cost to the town, He stated that the principal
troublo was that the applicant did not give the correct
distance when he made out his application, that he
would usually give the distance from the lot line
rather than from the street line. Mr. Trask recom-
mended that the price per foot be increased to $1.50
provided the town did all the work and to $.75 provided
the owner did his own digging. Mr. Clark moved that
Mr. Traskts recommendation be approved. Mr. Lyons
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Trask reported that Toros & Bedros Bashian
wished to deed to the Town the property on which the
Haywood Pump was located which they now own. However,
Bashiants divorced wife has an interest in the property
and they would like. to straighten the matter out so
that the property could be deeded to the Town. They
had asked that the Town Counsel getintouch with
their lawyer to straighten out the matter so that the.
'
Town's interest would be protected. Mr. Giroux asked
how much land w -as involled, and Mr. Trask stated that
there was a quarter of an acre. Mr. Giroux asked if
the Haywood Pump was authentic and Mr. Trask stated
that it was. Mr. Giroux then moved that the Town
Counsel be requested to contact the Bashians' lawyer
to learn the details of the legal situation involved
in the transfer of the property and report to the
Board. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion and it was so
voted.
Mr. Trask submitted a bill in the amount of $8.75
which had been submitted by Miss Helen Ready for damages
to her car sustained when she hit a boulder while driv-
ing through Park Drive. The running board and fender
of her car were damaged. Mr. Trask stated that Miss
Ready showed him the car and he thought that the repairs
would amount to only a couple of dollars and that there
would be no question about the .Town's paying it. How-
ever, the repairs amounted to $8.75. He stated that
Park Drive was a private way and that Miss Ready had
no right to be driving through there.
Mr. Lyons moved that the matter be passed. Mr.
Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted.
297
Rate for
installing
water
services.
Haywood
Pump to
be deeded
to Town.
Damage to
Miss Ready+s
car.
' Mr. Trask stated that he had received a letter
from Mr. John B. Sawyer, Attorney for the Boston and
Maine Railroad, with reference to the crossing at
Fletcher Avenue. Mr. Sawyer stated that he had authority
Fletcher
Avenue
crossing.
to say that the railroad would go along with the peti-
tion for the installation of lights provided the Town
would pay for said installation and the maintenance of
the signals and that he had so advised the Town Counsel,
but Mr. Wrightington had refused to agree and stated
that he would ask the Commission to order such instal-
lation at the expense of the railroad. Mr. Sawyer
stated that he had been instructed to close the cros-
sing but to give the Town a reasonable time in which
to make highway adjustments. Mr. Sawyer asked that
he be advised what the .Town would offer to pay for the
installation and maintenance of warning signals at
the crossing.
Mr. Lyons asked what.it would cost to install
the signals and Mr. Trask stated that it would be
$1500, plus $100. per year for maintenance. Mr.
Lyons asked what right the Board had to authorize
the expenditure of this money for the benefit of some
thirty families. Mr. Trask stated that Fletcher
Avenue was a public street and that people other than
the families living there used it. He stated that
it would cost between $8000. and $10,000. to build
a street to Woburn Street, at an angle, and not cross
the railroad tracks.
Mr. Trask requested that the matter be held
uver for one week so that he might make a study of
the situation, and it was voted to do so.
The Supt. of Public Works submitted his report
for the week ending Feb. 8th, 1936.
Letter was received from Mr. Bayard F. Snow
which stated that under the will of the late X. Henry
Sewer Goodnough, a report of the Sewer Committee for a
Report. system of Sewerage in the. Town of Lexington for
1896-97 had come into his possession. Mr. Snow
stated that he would be glad to turn over the document
to the Town if the Board so desired, postage collect.
Mr. Lyons moved that the offer be accepted with a
suitable letter of thanks from the Chairman. Mr.
Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted,
Mr. Trask stated that he had an opportunity to
purchase a 1934 chassis with cab for $575. which cost
Purchase of $702.00 when new. He -stated that the Water Dept*
new truck owned a 1929 truck which was almost beyond recall
but that could be made to run another year by having
the mechanic work on it constantly. Mr. Lyons moved
that Mr. Trask be given authority to purchase the
new truck. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it
was so voted.
The Chairman stated that the Traffic Rules and
Orders provided that there should be no parking on
the easterly side of Bedford Street from Hancock
Street to the Johnson's Garage, but that the "No
53+
1
1
1
Parking" signs were on the westerly side of the street
' and that the westerly side was where the people desired
no parking. Mr. Lyons moved that the present regula-
tion prohibiting parking on the easterly side of
Bedford Street from Hancock Street to Johnson's garage
be rescinded, and made a motion that the traffic Rules
and Orders be amended so as to provide that there be
no parking on the westerly side of Bedford Street
299
Traffic
Rules &
Orders.
from Elm Avenue to Newcomb & Dailey's garagegand it was do voted.
Mr. Trask recommended that the Traffic Rules
and Orders be amended so that parking be prohibited
on both sides of Waltham Street from Mass. Avenue for
a distance of 150 feet. Mr. Lyons moved that the
recommendation be approved. Mr. Giroux seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
Petition was received from five property owners
for the installation of street lights on that part of
Kendall Road running in a northeasterly direction Street
from Marrett Road, The Supt. of Public Works stated Light on
that he thought that one light two poles down from Kendall Rd,
Marrett Road and one light at the corner of Grapevine
Avenue would be sufficient. Mr. Lyons moved that
an article be inserted in the Warrant for the instal-
lation of one street light on Kendall Road. Mr.
Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted,
Water Department abatements in the amount of
$215.98 were signed by the Board.
Letter was received from Charles L. Parker in
which he submitted his resignation as Chairman of the
19th of April Committee for 1936. Mr. Parker sug-
gested that Charles A. McCormack be appointed Chairman. April 19th,
Mr. Lyons moved that the vote of January 14th, 1936 Committee.
appointing Mr. Parker Chairman be rescinded and that
his resignation be accepted and that the Committee
be allowed to elect its own Chairman. Mr. Giroux
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from Tracy W. Ames representing
the Sachem Council confirming his verbal report to the TM
effect that the appointment of Malcolm E. Clifford as
representative of the Council was satisfactory to
that organization.
Application for a license to peddle was received
from Ernest W. Folsom of 15 Lake Street. Mr. Lyons peddler's
moved that the application be approved. Mr. Giroux License.
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
' Application was received from George N. Watson
for the position of Supt. of the Water and Sewer Application
Division. No action was taken on the application. for
position.
300
Rosendorn
dog case.
Tax title
property
Letter was received from the Town Counsel stating
that the appeal of Eugene Rosendorn against the Board's
order.for the disposal of his two dogs had been heard,
and the Judge had sustained the Board's order. Mr.
Wrightington stated that if Rosendorn did not dispose
of the dogs within a reasonable time, the Board would
be entitled to proceed in the District Court criminally
for the imposition of a fine or imprisonment. Mr.
Wrightington stated that he thought a hearing in a
case such as this should be a little more formal
and elaborate than the Rosendorn hearing and that all
neighbors who.know anything about the situation should
be present. He stated that his reason for saying
this was that the District Judge was inclined to con-
fine his hearing to a determination of whether or not
the Selectmen had before them sufficient evidence to
justify their findings regardless of what other facts
there might have been that the Selectmen did not hear.
He suggested that the owner of the dog be invited to
attend such a hearing. Mr. Wrightington stated that
in this case, many citizens who knew the facts and
who had complained to the Police expressed unwillingness
to go to Concord unless summoned. Sergeant Russell
served the summons? and as witness fees were not
supplied, Russell told the people that Mr. Wrightington
would supply the fees the next day. Mr. Wrightington
talked over the matter of witness fees with the people
and suggested that they should not oblige the Town
to pay them for attending the hearing which they had
initiated and they finally agreed, although reluctantly.
Mr. Wrightington left it to the Board to decide if
the witnesses should be paid fees in the amount of
$2. apiece. He stated that Sergeant Russell made
no return of service.
Mr. Lyons moved that no action be taken on the
matter of witness fees and Mr. Giroux seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
The Clerk submitted a.bill in the amount of $5.00
which had been received from Sergeant Russell for
serving summonses. Mr. Lyons moved that the bill
be approved. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it
was so voted.
Letter was received from the Town Counsel suggesting
that an article similar to that used last year author-
izing the Selectmen to sell tax title land to be fore-
closed by the Town, be inserted in the March Warrant,
and that a new vote be passed giving the new Board of
Selectmen this authority. Mr. Wrightington stated
that there had been some uncertainty as to what fund
should be charged with the expense of the registration
of title and that in the past such expense had been
charged to Unclassified. He recommended that in
future sales, the purchasers be obliged to pay to the
r�
301
Report of the Slaughter Inspector for November,
December, and January was received and approved. Report.
Letter was received from the Appropriation
Committee advising that Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk and
' Town -Treasurer, had protested the fixing of his salary
at $2675. and the Appropriation Committee had recon-
sidered the matter and voted to recommend the salary
of the Town Treasurer at $950.00 per year, and this
Town the expense of registration. • He stated that
the purchaser might be unwilling to do this in the
'
first instance and that it might be necessary to
obtain funds from the Town Treasurer for that purpose.
Mr. Wrightington wondered if, in view of this, there
should be an appropriation or an authorization to
charge it to the revolving funds for Tax Title Fore-
closures which Mr. Carroll has.
Mr. Lyons moved that an article similar to the
one used last year be inserted in the Warrant for
the Annual Meeting authorizing the Selectmen to sell
foreclosed property. Mr. Giroux seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Lyons moved that an article be inserted in
the Warrant to authorize charging registration of
title to Revolving Funds for Tax Title Foreclosures.
Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from the Commissioner of Civil
Service stating that it was possible that there would
be four persons eligible for Police service in the
Police
Town of Lexington from the State-wide examination
eligible
recently held and if so it would be unnecessary to
list.
hold a special examination. He stated that as soon
as the results from the examination were known, he
'
would communicate with the Board and he expected
that the list would be ready about Ilay 1st.
Letter was received from the Supt. of Schools
stating that the School Committee had granted the
Boards request for the use of a room at the Adams
Voting at
School for Election Day, March 2nd. The Committee
Adams
asked that any work connected with locating and re-
School.
moving of the booths be provided by the Board and
that extra Police protection be furnished at times
when the children are passing to and from school.
Mr. Lyons moved that the Chief of Police be requested
to provide extra police protection as requested.
Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The Clerk reported that Mr. Grindle had inquired
if the Board would -pay the janitor the usual $3.00
extra for his services, and Mr. Lyons moved that .
this amount be paid. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Report of the Slaughter Inspector for November,
December, and January was received and approved. Report.
Letter was received from the Appropriation
Committee advising that Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk and
' Town -Treasurer, had protested the fixing of his salary
at $2675. and the Appropriation Committee had recon-
sidered the matter and voted to recommend the salary
of the Town Treasurer at $950.00 per year, and this
302
O
amount together with the amount previously recommended
Town Clerk's of $1775. for Town Clerk made a combined salary of
salary. $2725. now recommended. Mr. Clark moved that the
recommendation of the Appropriation Committee for the
increase in the Town Clerk and Town Treasurer's salary
be approved. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion and it
was so voted.
Notice was received from the Police Co-op. Committee
Notice, of the Mass. Civic League advising that there would
be a hearing on the Police Training -School Bill at
the State House on Monday, February 17th, at 10 A,M.
No action was taken on the matter.
Letter was received from the Town Counsel stating
that ,he had tried the case of Lexington vs. David H.
Governar Govenar with respect to the maintenance of his sign
case* advertising his profession as a lawyer in front of
his residence, in the Superior Court in Cambridge on
February 4th. The Court decided in favor of the
Town and a decree will be entered enjoining the main-
tenance of the sign.
The following annual reports were received:
Annual Committee on Cary Lectures; Town Accountant; Town
Report's Treasurer; Tax Collector; Selectmen, '
Letter was received from the Town Clerk to
` which was attached a circular from the Mass. Forest
(Dead & Park Assoc. requesting that the Town.insert an
elms. article in the Warrant for the removal of dead or
dying elms on public streets, No action was taken
on the matter.
Letter was received from the Lexington Trust
Co. with regard to the suit which Charles F. and Harriet
Smith have against the Town of Lexington as a result
of a taking which the Town made some time ago. The
Trust Company recently acquired title by foreclosure
to the Smith property on Valley Road. The letter
stated that the writer had been authorized to withdraw
the pending suit if the Town agreed,to pay $150. for
Smith suit land damages and cancel the betterment assessment.
Valley Rd, Mr. Lyons moved that the suit be settled for
the amount stipulated and Mr. Clark seconded trB motion.
Upon further discussion, however, Mr. Lyons withdrew
his motion. The Board felt that it would be better
to discuss the matter further and Mr. Lyons moved
that it be held over until Tuesday, February 25th,
and that Mr. Clarence Walker be requested to appear
before the Board on that evening to discuss the matter. '
Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from Soma Weiss, M. D., in-
quiring if the Board was satisfied with the arrangement
the Town has with Middlesex County Sanatorium. The
Board felt that -Dr. Weiss should be notified that the
Town's arrangement with the Sanatorium had worked
out very satisfactorily.
The Board voted to rescind its vote of August 6th,
1935 appointing the following Election Officers:
Precinct One.
D
- Mary A. Rowland
Deputy
Warden
D
- Donald Cameron
Deputy
Inspector
R
- Frank A. Cook
Deputy
Inspector
R
- Mabelle S. Peavy
Deputy
Clerk
R -
Precinct Three.
Deputy
Clerk
R
- Samuel,W. Wellington
Deputy
Warden
R
- Emma Hovey
Deputy
Inspector
it
Precinct Four.
D -
D
- Agnes Hall
Deputy
Clerk,
The Board voted to appoint the following Election
Officers:
'
D -
Precinct One.
John D. Barry
Deputy
Warden
D -
Michael E. McDonnell
Deputy
Inspector
R -
Frank Lambert
Deputy
Inspector
R -
Mary E. Stankard
Deputy
Clerk
R -
Frank A. Cook
Teller
D -
Mary A. Rowland
it
D -
Donald Cameron
R -
Mabelle S. Peavy
"
Precinct Two.
R -
Lucius Austin
Teller
R -
William S. Bramhall
it
D -
William E. Manley
It
D —Jesse
Condinho
It
Precinct Three.
R -
Clayton F. Beach
Deputy
Warden
R -
Violet A. Smithers
Deputy
Inspector
D -
John Corcoran
Teller
D.-
Maurice E. Woodward
"
R -
Samuel W. Wellington
it
R -
Emma Hovey
"
Precinct Four.
'
D -
D -
Sherman W. Reed
Joseph Cosgrove
Deputy
Teller
Clerk
R -
Robert Cady
It
D -
Agnes Hall
R -
Madeline Peterson
"
303
Letter re
San.
Election
Officers.
304 01
Cn
Upon motion of Mr. Giroux, seconded by Mr. Clark,
it was voted to grant the following permits subject '
Licenses to the approval of the Building Inspector:
William C. Lappen - 1781 Mass. Avenue Overhanging Sin
Waverly Hardware Co. -1756 it
Letter was receivedfrom the Planning Board
stating that the Board had discussed the draft of a
Billboards. proposed By-law for billboards as drawn by the Mass.
Billboard Law Defense Committee, and the Planning
Board was of the opinion that the present Lexington
By-laws provided ample protection to the Town and
it was the recommendation of that Board
that no action be taken at the present time,
Mr, Giroux reported on the Women's League for,
Peace & Peace and Freedom and,recommended that the application
Freedom for permission to maintain a stand in Lexington be
League. refused and he so moved. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Application was received from George E. Glawson
of Winter Street, representing. the Jehova Witnesses
Permit for of the Watch Tower, which requested that the organiz-
sound car ation be given permission to operate a sound car in
denied. Lexington on Feb. 22nd advertising a world-wide broad-
cast which will be sponsored on February 23rd by the
Watch Tower. Mr. Clark moved that the request be
denied. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion and it was
so voted.
Request was received from Lois M. Marshall for
License the transfer of her Common Victualler's License to
transferred. Mary F. Jaynes. Mr. Giroux moved that the request
be granted. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it
was so voted,
The Chairman brought up the fact that at the
present time Miss Lowe and Miss Moakley were operating
Switchboard. the switchboard, and that if one were out ill or if
they were very busy, it made things difficult in the
office. It was suggested that other girls in the
hall, such as Miss Corcoran and Miss Ohlsou, learn
to operate the switchboard so that they might help
out when necessary. Mr. Giroux moved that the
suggestion be approved. Mr. Lyons seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
Next It was decided to hold the meeting next Tuesday
Meeting. at 4 P,M.
The Supt. of Public Works advised that he had
made the following revisions in the Highway Maintenance
Budget: Locust Avenue, cost $283,50, had been omitted
by request of the Appropriation Committee; the follow-
ing re -tread jobs had been omitted: Bennett Avenue,
1
C
1
L
Barer Avenue Chase Avenue, and Taft Avenue, reducing
the item to J4538.60. The item for the oiling of
streets had been revised so that it was now planned
to put only one cover of oil on Weston Street and the
item had been reduced from $1132. to $100. The item
of 41'375.50 for sidewalk maintenance was omitted
entirely. The building of granolithic sidewalk in
front of the High School was omitted reducing the
item for granolithic maintenance to 6750. Gravel
walk maintenance, 4400. and loaming and seeding grass
plots, $400.00, were also omitted. Mr. Trask stated
that he had reduced the budget from $50,053.'to
$43,800.00. He stated that the item for curbing on
Mass. Avenue from Sickle Brook to Pleasant Street
had been eliminated, but that he had left in the item
of $900. for curbing on Bedford Street along the
granolithic sidewalk which had been requested by the
citizens. He stated that he had also omitted side-
walk construction on Mass. Avenue from Sickle Brook
to Pleasant Street, making the total saving on these
two items $1342.00. He informed the Board that the
cost of the drainage in the Percy Road section would
be about $8900.
Mr. Lyons moved that the Water Construction and
drainage in Bloomfield Street, Eustis Street, etc.,
be disapproved. The motion was not seconded.
Mr. Giroux moved that the total allowance for
highway maintenance be set at $42,000. to be worked
out by the Supt. of Public Works. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Lyons, and Mr. Clark voting in the
affirmative, it was so voted. Mr. Ferguson wished
to be recorded in opposition to the matter,
Mr. Giroux amplified his motion by stating that
he meant that items 1 to 9 in the Highway Maintenance
Budget submitted in the amount of $65,000. be out to
$421#000.00.
305;
Highway
Maintenance
Budget,
Mr. Lyons moved that the vote of last week ap-
proving the expenditure of :10,000. for drainage con- Drainage
struction be rescinded. 'Mr. Clark seconded'the'motion budget.
and.MrGiroux veting.in the affirmative, it .was so
voted.. ,Mr..Ferguson wished to be recorded in op-
position to the matter.
Mr. Lyons moved that the vote of
izing the expenditure of $19,000. for
of water mains in Bloomfield, Eustis
be rescinded, . Mr. Clark seconded
Mr. Giroux voting in the affirmative,
Mr. Ferguson wished to be recorded in
the matter.
last week author
the construction
Streets, etc., Water
the motion, and Con.
it was so voted.
opposition to
306
(Spring St.
Mr. Lyons moved that the expenditure of $2760.00
for the resurfacing of Spring`Street be disapproved,
this amount to be deducted from the $43,800. to which
Mr. 'Trask had already cut the Highway Maintenance
budget. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion,and Mr. Clark
voting in the affirmative, it was so voted. Mr.
Ferguson wished to be recorded in opposition to the
matter.
Mr. Lyons moved that Mr. Giroux's motion approving
$42,000* for the Highway Maintenance appropriation be
Highway rescinded. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion, and Mr,
Maintenance Clark voting in the af'irmative, it was so voted.
Mr. Ferguson voted in opposition to the mat"ter. Mr.
Giroux then moved that the sum of $41,092.60 be ap-
proved for Highway Maintenance budget for 1936.
Mr. Clark seconded the motion, and Mr. Lyons voting
in the affirmative, it was so voted. Mr. Ferguson
voted in opposition to the matter.
!i Mr. Giroux moved that the vote passed some time
ago approving the sum of $6000. for the construction
'Locker of a locker building at the Center Playground be
Bldg. reconsidered. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion and it
disapproved. was so voted. Mr. Giroux then moved that the appropri-
ation of $6000. for the construction of the locker
building be disapproved. Mr. Lyons seconded the
motion, and Mr. Clark voting in the affirmative, it
was so voted. Mr. Ferguson voted in opposition to
the matter.
Mr. Clark moved trat-the Board disapprove the
`Water replacement -of the four inch mains in the Percy Road
Con., section this year, and that the previous vote approv-
Percy Rd. ing an appropriation of $19,000. for this work be
Section. rescinded. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion, and Mr.
Giroux voting in the affirmative, it was so voted.
Mr. Ferguson voted in opposition to the matter.
Mr. Clark moved that the matter of the Waltham
Street Chapter 90 construction be reconsidered. Mr.
'Waltham Lyons seconded the motion and Mr. Giroux voting•in
Street. the affirmative, it was so voted. Mr. Lyons moved
that the vote approving the construction of this
street be rescinded. Mr. Clark seconded the motion
and Mr. Giroux voting in the affirmative, it was so
voted. Mr. Ferguson wished to be recorded in
opposition to the matter.
The Board then considered the Fire Dept. budget
whtcli was submitted iii` the amount of $39,984.33.
Fire Dept. Mr. Lyons moved that the budget be approved as sub -
budget. mitted, Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it
was so voted.
Mr. Clark moved that no action be taken on any
of the recommended improvements. Mr. Giroux seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
MV
1
1
1
1
Mr. Clark moved that the bu gget for the Forest
Warden's Dept. in the amount of L570. be approved
as submitted. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion and
It was so voted.
307
Forest
Warden.
Mr. Giroux moved that the vote approving the
appropriation of $30000 for the Law Dept. be rescinded Law
and then withdrew his motion. Dept.
Military Aid returns for January in the amount Returns
of $20. and State Aid returns in the amount of $16. Signeds,
were signed by the Board.
The Welfare Agent appeared before the Board
and the Chairman asked him why it was impossible for
him to give Donald Tiiiothy a 600 slip to work on the
W.P.A. Mr. Mitchell stated that it was impossible
for anybody to give out 600 slips now and that Timothy
could register in Arlington. However, Mr. Powers Timothy
of Arlington refused to register him because his cases
family was in a financial condition to take care of him.
Timothy is not living at home. Mr. Mitchell stated
that the Assignment Office at Boston issued all as-
signments,and that the line was 'drawn as of November
lst, 1935, and Timothy did not go on Welfare until
December. The Chairman asked Mr. Mitchell to have
Timothy and Mr. Morse go down to Arlington and
straighten out the matter with Mr. Powers,
The Welfare Agent discussed the case of John L.
MacKinnon of 304 Marrett Road, a Lexington settled MacKinnon
case. Mr. Mitchell recommended aid in the amount case.
of $7. per week until the man can find work. Mr.
Giroux moved that the recommendation be approved.
Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The Welfare Agent discussed the case of Harry
Green of Bedford Street, who has been out of work
for three weeks. He has a wife and one child. Mr.
Mitchell recommended aid not to exceed $12, per week
plus fuel. * Mr. Giroux seconded the motion, and it
was so voted. * Mr. Clark moved that the recommendation
be approved.
The Welfare Agent discussed the case of Joseph
Vitale. He has a mother, a wife and one child and
another child is expected in three weeks. Vitale
has just gone on W.P.A. Mr. Mitchell recommended
that supplementary aid in the matter of fuel be
given. Mr. Clark moved that the recommendation be
approved. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it
was so voted.
Green
case.
Vitale
case.
308 y
The Welfare Agent discussed the case of Gordon
W. Jacobson, who has a wife and two children and is
Jacobson living with the Armstrong's on Homestead Street.
case. Mr. Mitchell recommended aid in the amount of $12.
per week. Mr. Giroux moved that the recommendation
be approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it
was so voted.
The Welfare Agent discussed the case of Philip
Leaf of Cottage Street. He was examined by Dr.
Leaf- Hardcastle who recommended that an X-ray be made of
case* his left hip joint. Mr. Mitchell recommended that
Leaf be given medical attention. Mr. Lyons moved
that the recommendation be approved, Mr. Giroux
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30 A.M.
A true record, Attest:
Clerk.