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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1936-08-041 1 L SELECTMENIS MEETING AUGUST 4th, 1936. A regular meeting of the Selectmen was held in the Belectmenfs Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 P.M. Messrs. Ferguson, Potter, Giroux, Clark and Ross were present. The Acting Clerk was also present. At 8:00 P.M. hearing was declared open on the appli- cation of Gordon Slayter for permission to maintain a two car garage at 9 Kimball Road. Mr, Ernest E. MacPhee appeared in favor of the petition and presented plan of the proposed garage. No persons appeared in opposition. Mr. Clark moved that the permit be granted subject to the approval of the Building Inspector. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. At 8:05 P.M. hearing was declared open on the appli- cation of S. Arthur Peterson for permission to maintain a three car garage at 544 Lowell Street. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson appeared in favor of the petition and presented plan of the proposed garage. No persons appeared in opposition. Mr. Clark moved that the permit be granted subject to the approval of the Building Inspector. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. At 8:10 P.M. hearing was declared open on the appli- cation of. Jessie F. Polley for permission to maintain a two car garage at 38 Taft Avenue. This was a request for an addition to the present garage. Mr. Polley appeared and presented plan of the proposed garage. No persons appeared in opposition. Mr. Ross moved that the permit be granted subject to the approval of the. Building Inspector., Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Town Clerk reported to the Board that the order of the Board for the demolition of the premises on the northeasterly side of Taft Avenue, supposed to belong to John Stanley, had been duly served by a constable of the Town of Lexington qualified to serve civil process in accordance, with the provisions of General Laws, Ch. 139, sec. 1 and Ch. 111, sec. 124, a copy of whose return is filed with the Board. The Building Inspector reported to the Board that the owner of the premises had f ailed to comply with the said order of the Board and that the premises remained as before the said order. It appearing to the Board that the time allowed for the demolition of the said premises b7 the owner had expired without action by the said owner, it is ordered that the said nuisance be abated and the said premises be demolished by the employees of the Public Works Department of the Town under the direction of the Supt. of Public Works and that building materials of any value remaining in the said building be stored by him on the premises of the Department of Public Works and there held for delivery to the owner of the said premises if and when he.shall prove property to the some, 577 Slayter Garage Hearing Peterson Garage Hearing Polley Garage Hearing. Stanley props rty 578 The Health Inspector a ppoared before the Board and ' reported that the owner or occupant of the premises on the northeasterly side of. -Taft Avenue in the Town cf Lexington, Stanley supposed to belong to Sohn Star ley, had failed to comply property. with the order of the Board requiring him to remove personal property from the said premises as ordered by the Board of Selectmen acting as a Board of Health, and that the premises remained in the same condition as when he reported to the Board on July 7th, 1936. The return of the constable of the Town of Lexington showing service of the said order in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Ch. 111, sec. 122 and 124 was presented to the Board. The Board of Selectmen acting as a Board.of Health, therefore, finds that the owner or occupant of the premises on the northeasterly side of Taft Avenue, Lexington, has failed to comply with its order of July 21st, 1936 for the removal of the personal property therein referred to, and the Board, therefore, orders that the said nuisance be removed by the Health Inspector of the Town and destroyed. Mr. Longbottom stated that he had been receiving many calls lately in regard to the removal of loam. He Removal of stated that he has endeavored to investigate all rumours Loam. which he has heard that loam is being removed from ' various places, and as yet he had not found ffiy steam shovels at work. However, he felt that it was im- possible for him to cover the entire town and asked the Board for the assistance of.the Police Department in the matter. He was advised that the Police Depart- ment would be requested to watch out for any steam shovel which they see at work while they are making their rounds and report the same to Mr. Longbottom. Mr. Weiss and Mr. Greenblott, junk dealers, came before the Board. Mr. Weiss stated that they desired some advice in regard to persons coming into the town, soliciting business and picking up junk without a license, such as the Morgan Memorial, The Chairman stated that the Town Counsel had advised the Board that this organization should have a license to collect junk but thatthe Board could not make a charge for it inasmuch as it was a charitable organization. Mr. Weiss stated that he did not see how this organ- ization could be called a charitable one inasmuch as no one can get anything from them unless they pay for it or work out the value. He stated that they employed approximately 400 men to mend the things they collect. He stated that one junk man in Arlington had them stopped from soliciting business in that town; that they could coma in on a -call but could not go from MM Old County Road. house to house. The Chairman asked him to get further ' information in regard to the action taken in Arlington on the matter and he stated that he would. Mr, Weiss and Mr. Greenblott were advised that the Board would have the Town Counsel check up and inform the Board whether or not the Morgan Memorial was a recognized charitable institution, and they retired. Mr. Carl Hauck appeared before the Board in regard to Old County Road. He asked the Board if there was any possible way that something could be done to improve the street which is in a very bad condition now and almost impassible in the tinter and spring. He stated that unless something was done on it before winter, they would not be able to use it, The Chairman stated that this was an unaccepted street and in order for any work to be done on the road by the Town, it would have to be accepted and the only way it could be accepted would be by a petition from the abutters. Mr. Hauck stated that he had received an estimate of $4800.00 from the Town Engineer for constructing the road and the abutters could not afford to pay this much. Mr. Ross suggested that Mr. Hauck have a private contractor dump some gravel on the road and put some tar ' on it and in this way it would be cheaper for the abutters. Mr. Hauck requested that the Board have some of the fill from Lincoln Street dumped on the road instead of on the dump on Lincoln Street, where it is now being put. He stated that the road was in such bad condition that fire apparatus could not get in there and it was a hard- ship on the children who have to go to school. He stated that the assessed value of the property in that vicinity was $44,000, in 1930 and at the rate of $30.00 per thousand, they pay $1320. per year taxes to the Town. The Board advised him to see Mr. Raymond in regard to the material from Lincoln Street to see if he could spsre any. Mr. Hauck was of the opinion that the Town could do work on private property and that it was merely an unwritten law that no work should be done. Mr. Clark moved that the matter of doing work on Old County Road be referred to the Town Counsel for his opinion tied that Mr. Hauck be notified of that part of the law which prohibits the Board from doing work on private property. Mr. Potter seconded thq motion and it was so voted. Mr..Jasper A. Lane came before the Board in regard° to insurance. Mr. Lane held a policy which expired on August let and which was not renewed through his office. He stated that he had insurance with the Town for fifteen ' years; that he lived in Lexington for 17 years; that he has held a Mass, license for 22 years. He felt that he MM Old County Road. 580 01 was entitled to a share of the Town's business. He realized that he had a dual capacity as banker and , insurance broker, but that this is done by most bankers. He asked the Board why the policy was not renewed Insurance. through his office. The Chairman informed him that it was the feeling of the Board that they would prefer to place all the insurance with persons who are in the insurance business only, and are entirely dependent upon it for their living. He said that the Board had received several complaints from persons who had no other business and that they did not think it fair to give the insurance to people in other businesses who do insurance as a sideline only. Mr. Lane stated that he worked in the bank as a clerk and eventually hope to have.insurance his life work, He stated that he did not want to take any insurance away from anyone else, but that he would like to ]m'ep the $15,000. he had. He stated that he had a policy expiring in November and requested the Board to give him con- sideration at that time. Mr. Giroux suggested that the Board give the entire matter of placing insurance further consideration at a later date and adopt some definite policy in regard to the matter. Mr. George F. Smith appeared before the Board in regard to his land on Bedford Street and Valley Road. He ' stated that what he wanted was to have the Board buy a strip of land to straighten out the line of his property. He stated that about a year ago he had an opportunity Smith to sell a lot, but the party dropped the matter after property* seeing the school on one side and the playground at the back of the lot. He bad more or less trouble on the Valley Road construction and stated that ,he would be perfectly willing to forget the matter if the Town could straighten out the line. The Chairman asked him how much he thought the strip of land was worth and he replied that he was not _sure, but would say around $1000,00. Mr. Smith left a plan of the land, and the Board advised him that they would give the matter consideration and he #retired. Mr. Giroux moved that the Board meet at 7:00 o'clock on Tuesday evening, Aug. 18, for the purpose of viewing the Smith property. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. It was also decided to request Mr, Garrity to meet with the Board at that time. . The Supt. of Public Works, Mrs. Kinneen and her daughter of Vine Street, appeared before the Board. Mrs, Kinneen stated that quite a few years ago the ' sewer was put in across her meadow of about four acres. Up until that time they had been tilling the field for ' hay and gardens, and it could be plowed at any time. After the sewer went through, they have never been able to plow the four acres of land in one piece. There is a hollow where the sewer was laid and where the manhole is, there is a well. The other day she noticed men working there, and found that they had raised the manhole about four feet. She requested that the Board have the manhole lowered to the level of the field. The Chairman asked her what her chief objection to the manhole being raised was, and she stated that it was the appearance of it. She stated that the meadow was very wet and that this spring she could only use a very small plot for a garden out of the whole four acres. The Chairman asked her what she considered was the cause of the meadow becoming flooded, and she replied that since the sewer was put in it has been flooded every year and she felt that it was caused by Vine Brook. She felt it would relieve the situation if Vine Brook were cleared out. The Chairman explained to her that the reason the manhole was raised was to take care of the overflow of Vine Brook into the sewer thereby causing the sewer to overflow. He informed her that the Board was working on a project for Vine Brook now, and that when Vine Brook is lowered, the manhole would be put back. He stated that ' the Board hoped to have the project ready to present to the Town in the fall and asked Mrs. Kinneen to wait until that time to see if the Town will take favorable action. Mrs. Kinneen agreed to do this and retired. The Chairman read a letter received from Charles M. Blake in which he asked that the Town construct two catch basins on Meriam Street to take care of the drainage. He said that for several gears surface water drainage from Meriam Street ran down his driveway into his back lot, but he is now building a garage there and that if the situation were not remedied, the water would run into his garage, Mr. Giroux moved that the matter be turned over to Mr. Raymond for whatever action he felt necessary. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond stated that he was at a disadvantage in going over the Auditorts Report on the Ryder case as he did not have a copy of Exhibit 10 the map. Mr. Wtightington said he thought he could get a blue print for two or three dollars and Mr. Raymond asked the Board for authorization to obtain the map, Mr. Clark moved that he be authorized to obtain the map. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. ' Mr. Raymond reported that he had written to Miss Ella Kilcup and stated that the Town was not responsible for any damage which she claims from the pond on �n Kinneen complaint re: Manhole. Drainage, Meriam Street Map in Ryder ease. 582 Kilcup complaints. Steam Shovel. Burlington Street, but that the level of the pond could be controlled. She wrote back and said that she did not agree with him, that she held the Town res- ponsible for any damage from the pond and that the Town should remedy the situation so that the water would not come over the road into her cellar. Mr. Raymond said that it was his judgment that drainage was needed there, not only for the pond but also for the street. He did not have any estimate of what it would cost to put a drain in. Mr. Ross moved that Mr. Raymond be requested to make a study of the situation and recommend to the Board what he felt should be done. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Supt. of Public'=Works stated that he had received a report from Mr. McCarthy in regard to the steam shovel that it would need to be completely rebuilt to put it in good condition and the estimated cost is $2000. Mr. Ross asked Mr. Raymond what he could use the shovel for and he said that it might be used on Lincoln Street, Mr. Potter stetted that he thought that when the shovel was purchased, it was purchased to dig ditches and for light work. Mr. Raymond said that he could get good work out of it as it is, if it were put to work on brooks. The Chairman stated that there were no available funds to do anything in regard to the matter at the present time and suggested that Mr. Raymond prepare figures so that the Board could consider the matter for the budget for next March. Mr. Raymond was of the opinion that the shovel should be used as it is as long as possible and then be sold. Mr. Clark moved that no action be taken in regard to improvements on the town shovel at the present time but that between now and January, consideration be given in regard to the cost of fixing it up, the cost of putting on a new shovel attachment, eta. and that Mr. Raymond make his recommendation to the Board. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Board signed the releases of John F. Shaw and Releases. Heirs of Lawrence Leary releasing the torn from any claim for damages in connection with the work on Mill Brook, between Bow Street and the Arlington line. Mr. Raymond stated that he had purchased twelve Miner frames and grates at $14.25 each, making a total of 171.00, and asked the approval of the Board for his Purchase of action. Mr. Giroux moved that Mr. Raymond's action be Grates. approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond asked approval of the substitution of D grates and Frames by Beverley styli grates and frames as made by the Dept. of Correction or the Miner In - I ' style as made by the Putnam Iron Works if.this meets with the approval of the Dept. of Public Works. Mr. Clark moved that the approval be granted. Mr.Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond stated that something ought to be done on unaccepted streets before the Town has to plow them. He Work on stated that if they could go in and do some work,such as Unaccepted taking out boulders, etc., they would probably save the Streets. full cost of it in one winter. He stated that he would like about $2200. or $2500. to spend on the streets. Mr. Clark moved that no action be taken on the matter until the next meeting after having received an opinion from the Town Counsel, Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Supt. of Public Works reported in regard to the complaint made of the cesspool on the Edgar property that the property was owned by Louise Edgar. He stated that she informed him that bhe was getting an estimate of Edgar the cost of connecting the house to the sewer and would cesspool close up the cesspool. Mr. Ross stated that the Town always laid the pipe in sewer connections, but that she could arrange to have the digging done. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Raymond inform ' Mrs. Edgar to that effect and tell her that the work should be started there within a week. Mr. Raymond stated that he estimated it would cost approximately $350.00 to lay a 2 inch service pipe in Lowell Street from the Arlington line to take care of the Hall and Barrett properties. The pipe would go by three lots, including the Lacker lot which is cut by the Town line. The assessment was figured on $.90 a foot, making an assessment of $52.86 against Lacker, $48.95 against Hall and $57.68 against Barrett. No assessment can be made on the other side of the street because it is Town Water - of Arlington propertyp, and Mr. Raymond did not think an Lowell St. assessment could be made against the Lacker property inasmuch as it is served from Arlington and there would be no betterment. Mr. Raymond wanted to know whether or not he could tell these people what their assessment would be. He would like to lay the pipe in the gutter near the sidewalk. The tot al length of construction would be about 175 feet. The Chairman asked if the agreement with the Town of Arlington was settled and Mr. Raymond stated that Arlington would agree to an agreement requiring a meter box. Mr. Ross moved that the Town install approximately 175 feet of 2 inch water main in Lowell Street and that Mr. Raymond's suggestions be approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted, 584 cr The Supt. of Public Works reported that the damage Damage to to the Police car on June 6th due to an accident with ' Police car. a ear owned by a Mr. Graves was $40.95. No claim has ever been made to the Insurance Company for the damage. Mr. Clark moved that a claim be made to Grave's insurance company for the damage to the car. Mx. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. I'Pump Mr. Raymond reported that it would be necessary to for have a new pump for the odorless cart, which would cost odorless cart.approximat ely $410.00. He asked if this purchase could be made and charged to the Health Department. The Chairman stated that there was not enough money in the Health Dept. account to take care of this expenditure. Mr. Ross suggested that in case of an ems rgdney, a pump could be hired. Mr. Raymond suggested that two street lights on Street Wellington Lane Avenue,between the new Concord Turnpike lights. and Pleasant Street, be removed. He stated that there was very little travel on this road. Mr. Clark moved that the Edison Co. be notified to remove the lights. Mr. Pottero sec nded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Supt: of Public Works with reference to the Vine Brook Drainage Project. Field engineering in the nature of sections and a preliminary line has been completed from Butterfield's Pond to south of Hayes Lane. It will be necessary to make soundings along this line to determine the best and most economical location for the proposed work. A rough estimate of the cost for the brook channel and the proposed concrete pipe to Vine Brook Road is $150; for materials, etc. Therefor the Town may be expected to contribute about $15,000. In order to accomplish a decided improvement in the drainage of the land adjacent to Vine Brook south of Vine Brook Road, it will be necessary to install that portion of the channel which is proposed as a covered conduit from a point 700 or 800 feet south of Hayes Lane to Vine Brook Road. This could be done as a P.W.A. project and the Government would con- tribute 45% of the total cost of labor and materials. Such a project would be done by private contractors. A Relief sewer will be required from near Hayes Lane to near the junction of the present north and south branches of Vine Brook and a considerable saving would be effected if this sewer were installed the same time that the drainage work .is done. Using Metcalf & Eddyts unit prices, such a project would cost about $70,000. Mr. Raymond had communicated with an engineering firm in touch with P.W.A. regulations and was advised that it might be possible to receive approval of a P.W.A. project if it were submitted promptly. He recommended that private engineers be engaged to prepare the application for a P.W.A. project for Vine Brook and the relief sewer. Metcalf & Eddy had agreed to do this work for the sum of $500. He asked the Board to advise him whether or not it approved of the employment of Metcalf ' & Eddy to make such an application. The Chairman stated that he felt Metcalf & Eddy should proceed with the engineering work together with the preparation of the application for the P.W.A. funds, but said that there were no funds to do this. He suggested that the Board could ask the Appropriation Committee to transfer $500. to proceed with the work. Mr. Clark moved that the Board ask the Appropriation Committee for a transfer of $500. from the Reserve Fund Account for engineering work in connection with preparing data on the Vine Brook drainage project. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Chairman stated that the Appropriation Committee were going to have a meeting on August 20th and felt that action should be taken on the matter before that time in order to get the data ready for the Town Meeting which is to be held in September. Mr. Giroux moved that if it is necessary, the Chairman of the Board and the Supt. of Public Works work out the best way to get the engineering data. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond submitted the following list of projects which might be urgent in the next few years in Lexington: ' STREET DRAINAGE & BROOK PROJECTS. Project A. Vine Brook Drainage from Burnhamts dam to Vine Brook Road. 586 - Cn 0-3 Project B. Sickle Brook from the culvert at the East ' Lexington Station to Massachusetts Avenue. Project C. North Lexington Brook from Valley Road upstream to the easterly culvert under the railroad at the Public Works lot. Project D. Reed Street drainage from Vaille Avenue and a right of way to Bedford Street and thence in Bedford Street to Public Works lot and thence to North Lexington Brook, as in Project C. Project E. Reed Street drainage between :Sunny Knoll Avenue and Garfield Street. Project F. Massachusetts Avenue - Joseph Road drainage from Tower Road to the right of way at Curve Street (possibly including new culvert under railroad embankment). Project G. Drainage in right of way from Hancock Street to Meriam Street to replace existing small pipe and old stone drain. Project H. Drainage in Meriam Street from Edgewood Road to ' Oakland Street with branchesin Abbott and Somer- set Roads. Project I. Drainage and sewerage for Washington Street and vicinity of Highland Avenue. Project J. Drainage in Grassland Street, Valleyfield Street and right of way to Waltham Street. Project K. North Hancock Street, Hamilton Road, Ledg:elawn Avenue drainage. Project L..Oak Street extension to Carville Avenue, and Massachusetts Ave., Oak Street to Sickle Brook, SEWERAGE PROJECTS. Project A. Lexington Manor and North Lexington District, Project B. Farmhurst and Fair Oaks Districts, Project C. Cary Farm District and Lincoln Street. Project D. Liberty Heights District. Project E. Existing trunk line sewer studies to eliminate excessive infiltration and leakage. HIGHWAY PROJECTS. ' Project A. Reed Street reconstruction. Project B. Oak Street reconstruction. Project C. Betterment Streets, Blake Road & Preston Roam. Project D. Spring Street, Marrett Road to Concord Higheay excepting 1936 work. Project E. East Street from Adams Street to Vine Brook, Project F. Percy Road from Massachusetts Avenue to Highland Avenue, (including drainage). Project G. Eustis Street (including drainage). Proj ec#s H. Oakland Street from Mariam Street to Glen Road Extension, Project I. Waltham Street Chapter 90, Blossomerest Avenue to old Concord Avenue. Project J. Watertown Street Chapter 90 to Belmont Line. Project K. Bedford Street Chapter 90 Maintenance, Tewksbury ' Street to Boston & Maine Railroad. Project L. Granite curbing, Massachusetts Avenue. Projedt M. Granite curbing, Woburn Street. Project N. Granite curbing, Bedford Street. Mr. Raymond said that the engineering work required in order to arrive at rough estimates of cost, the extent of projects, importance, etc., was far more than could be handled by the existing Engineering force. Mr. Ra7mond said that it was important to employ two laborers and an engineer at once'in order to proceed with the making and recording of soundings in connection with the contemplated Vine Brook project and the cost of doing this work was estimated at $300. There is an engineer now employed on the W.P.A. topo survey project who might be engaged for the balance of the year for $325.00 and he could be used on this work. The Engineering Dept, is now using George Harrington, formerly employed by the Water Dept., but as the water construction program is at a standstill, his services will not be needed by that department to any great extent for the balance of the year. However, there ' are not sufficient funds in the Engineering appropriation to carry Harrington throughout 1936 and about $320. will be needed for this purpose. He will be used in sewerage and drainage engineering studies. In view of this, Engineer- ing Work. 588 M Mr. Raymond recommended that $945.00 be found to ' supplement the Engineering appropriation in order that suitable progress in Engineering studies be maintained for the balance of the year. If the contemplated Vine Brook W.P.A. project is approved, it w ill be nedessary for the Town to provide a junior engineer at a cost of approximately $500, for the balance of the year. No action was taken on the letter. Letter was recevied from Mr. Raymond stating that Mr. William Leary had instructed the Supt, of the Sewer Division to stop the work of raising the manholes on his property. Mr. Raymond thought that the water level at times of flood in Vine Brook had been above the tops of manholes as they formerly existed and that during wet spells when the flood waters of the brook were not as high as the tops of the manholes, that water or sewage Leary had flowed out of them onto the adjacent land, and he Complaint did not see how else the trouble could be corrected other re manholes.than by r aising the manholes. He would not recommend the use of a pressure cover for the manholes because they (the manholes) provide means for the escape of air from the sewer when it is filling up. Mr. Raymond called attention to the fact that the easement obtained for the construction and location of the trunk line sewer stip- ulated that the Town was bound to see that the ground ' directly after the completion of the work was c1dared of all surplus materials and that the surface was left in as smooth and good condition as at the time of entry. He therefor felt that some adjiustment would be necessary to satisfy Leary. Mr. Raymond asked Leary what he considered his damages to be and he stated that the next move was up to the Town and he hoped the Town would mkke some proposition to him. No action was taken on the matter. Letter was received from Mr. Raymond in reference to the bulldozer requested for the grader. He stated that during the coming months, the material from the excavation on Lincoln Street and the gravel to be placed for the foundation, will have to be spread either by hand:lab or or by the grader and that the grader could do the work much more economically. However, due to the construction of the grader, it is necessary for the front wheels to straddle the material before it is levelled by the blade which puts an excessive strain on certain parts of the machine. If a bulldozer attachment is put onto the grader, this difficulty will be overcome since the bull- dozer blade will be in front of the wheels. It will also be able to spread the material much faster ' and more even with this attachment. He stated that the bulldozer could also be used in cleaning and pushing back snow at street intersections following the plowing ' operation. Mr. Raymond recommended purchasing the bull- dozer at a price of $275.00. • Mr. Clark roved that the Board approve the purchase of the bulldozer at a price of $275.00, the same to be charged to the Highway Maintenance Account. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. n 0 1 • Mr. Giroux made a motion that Lawrence G. Mitchell W*P.A, be authorized to sign certificates after they have been approved by the-N.P.A. Advisory Board. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Giroux moved that the Board of Trade be granted the use of Estabrook Hall, or if the occasion requires.* Use of the use of Cary Memorial Hall on the evening of August hall. 17th for a lecture by Rodney Long, same to be free of charge. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Giroux reported that persons on the W.P.A. were complaining that the masonry work on catch basins on the Complaint Lincoln Street job were being done by Mr. Dacey, a private re W.P.A. contractor, and they were bricklayers by profession. Mr. Raymond was instructed to check up and find out if this is SO* Mr. Giroux suggested that a memorandum be sent to the Police Departmdnt in regard to a complaint received that milk trucks were changing milk cans from one truck to another at 4 A.M. at the corner of Clark Street and Mass. Avenue and disturbing the persons in the neighbor- hood. It was decided to request the Chief to investigate the complaint. Complaint re milk trucks. Mr. Giroux also reported that he had received complaints in regard to the children playing on Hastings Park and tearing up the lawn. Mr. Ferguson stated that they also Use of played on Depot Park. Mr. Giroux moved that the Police Parks Department be notified to stop the use of Hastings Park and Depot Square as playgrounds. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Chairman stated that he had received complaints in regard to trucks speeding on Hancock Street and of cars Speeding speeding on Mass. Avenue, and it was decided to notify the Police Department to investigate the matter. Mr. Giroux stated that he had also received a com- plaint that there was no officer stationed at Waltham ' Street and Mass. Avenue ddring the busiest time of the Police day, the supper hour, and it was decided to�notify the Chief in regard to the matter. 590 Request was received for a.shield on the street ' Street light at the corner of Simonds and Preston Roads which Light. shines into the window of Mr. Fred Stoddardts house. It was decided to notify the Supt. of Public Works to request,the Edison Co. to place a shield on the light. Letter was received from the Town Clerk asking for advice in.regard to releasing the indemnity bond in the amount of $2000. covering Harry E. Johnson, The Supt. Johnson of Public Works reported that Mr. Johnson had not Bond. complied with all the provisions of the agreement in that Cherry Street had not been constructed and 1501 on Taft Avenue had not been completed. Mr. Potter moved that tW Town Clerk be notified that the Selectmen were not willing to release the bond until the work had been completed. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was go voted. Mr. Giroux read a letter which he had received from the Treasury Department in regard to giving local arch- itects an opportunity of presenting plans for the proposed new Post Office, in which they stated that it was New Post the policy of the Department that all work on the Public Office Building Program is designed by the office of the Supervising Architect in Washington. Mr. Giroux moved that the Chairman write a letter ' to the Treasury Dept. asking that inasmuch as Lexington has a distinct type of architecture, that they consider the matter of calling in a Lexington architect as an associate architect. Mr. Potter seconded the motion sad it was so voted. Letter was received from Richard Whittemore in which he stated that an act had been passed permitting the Town to carry property damage insurance and requesting the Board to consider the matter. Property Letter was received from the Town Counsel in which Damage he confirmed the fact that towns were now permitted to Insurance, carry property damage. He stated that as to the advisability of carrying such insurance, he felt that it would be a question of relative costs. He suggested that the Board could determine from the experience with previous cases what the risk amounted to. Mr. Potter moved that no property damage be carried on cars. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from Richard Whittemore notifying the Board that the polio# insuring the town automobiles Insurance. expired on August 19, 1936, and requesting renewal of the policy. Mr. Giroux moved that the policy be not renewed ' through the office of Richard Whittemore but that it be renewed through the office of Helen C. Whittemore, if she holds the proper license. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted.. ' The Board signed an easement to the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston to erect and maintain a line Easement. of four (4) poles for the transmission of electrietty -on Garfield Street. Letters were received from the State Dept. of Public Works approving the sums of 1,500. from the State, $2,000. from the County and 82000. from the Town for Chapter 90 Maintenance; $1,350. from the State, $1200o from the Town and $600, from the County for Watertown Street; $10,725. from the State, $9,300. from the town and $5,000, from the County for Lincoln Street. The Board signed certificate of character for Frances A. Nelson, one of the incorporators of the Mountain Lakes Club, Inc. Letter was received from Rupert H. Stevens in which he stated that he would be able to pay all of his Water Guaranties in the next four months at the average rate of $100, per month. Mr. Ross moved that the Board accept Mr. Stevens' proposition. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. ' Letter was received from the Town Accountant in which he stated that he would not approve any further payments from the Sealer of Weights and Measures account for office supplies, equipment and sundry items, inasmuch as the total appropriated for these items had b een expended, unless provision was made for payment. Letter was also received from the Sealer of Weights and Measures requesting additional funds in the amount of $50.00 to carry him through the balance of the year. The letter stated that it would not be necessary for him to purchase any office supplies for the year 1937. Mr. Ross moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $50.00 to the Sealer of Weights and Measures account. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Highway appropria— tions. Cert. of Inc. Stevens' Water Guarantie. Sealer Ia Account Letter was received from the Town Accountant request- ing vacation leave beginning Saturday, August 8th and ending Sunday, August 16th. Mr. Ross moved that the vacation Vacation leave be granted. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it leave was so voted. Letter was received from the Town Accountant in regard to a bill rendered by the Edison Else. Ill. Co. in the amount of $9.00 for a yearly minimum charge for the Bills for ' twelve months ending April 30, 1936, for electrical current flood for the flood light for the Captain Parker monument, which light was put through for payment from the Street Lights Account. The Town Accountant was of the opinion that this charge 592 cn should be paid either out of Unclassified or the Park ' Department appropriation. Inasmuch as.there was objection to paying it from the Park Department, he suggested that it be paid from the Unclassified Account. There is also a monthly charge of $1.00 for rental of time switch in connection with the flood light and Mr. Russell felt that this should be charged to Unclassified also* Mr. Ross moved that these bills be charged to the Unclassified Account. Mr. Clark.seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Town Accountant with regard to the outstanding water guaranties of Robert L. Ryder. He stated that he had put through vouchers for Ryder payment of gravel totaling $341.25 and had the payments Water drawn to the order of the Town of Lexington to be applied Guaranties. on the outstanding account after having received an order signed by Mr. Ryder authorizing him to do so. There remains a water giaranty outstanding in the amount of $296.92. Mr. Russell stated that Mr. Ryder now.agrees to assign $35.75 due him for gravel from the Lincoln Street project and he has an agreement ready for his signature to cover the assignment fes' such further amounts as may become due from the Lincoln Street project. There are two other items in the amount of $15.81 and ' $90.06 due Mr. Ryder which he is not willing to assign to the Town. Mr. Ross moved that the amounts of $15.81.and $90.06 be paid to Mr. Ryder and that Mr. Russell obtain a new agreement from Mr. Ryder to assign the amounta---,. due for gravel on the Lincoln Street project to take care of the remaining oustanding account. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from. the Town Counsel calling the Boardts attention to Ch. 318 of the Acts of.1936 which authorizes towns to adopt a general retirement Retirement system for aged employees. He suggested that if the Act. Board did not prefer to study it themselves, they might appoint a committee to investigate the general question of retirement of aged town employees in the light of the new statute. The Chairman felt that such a committee should be appointed. Mr. Ross moved that the matter be held over for the next meeting. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Town Clerk requesting Juror the drawing of one juror for the transaction of civil , business to be holden at Cambridge on the eighth day of September. William E. Dailey, Chauffeur, 300 Bedford Street, was the juror drawn. Letter was received from the Board of Registrars ' giving the following dates for registration of new voters before the state primaries.of Sept. 15, 19361, as follows: August 12, 1936 - Agams School, East Lexington - 7 P.M. to 9 P.M. August.19, 1936 - Town (fffice Building - 7 P.M. to 9 P.M. August 26, 1936 - Town Office Building - 12 noon to 10 P.M. The Clerk was advised to notify Mr. Grindle in regard to the date of registration at the Adams School. Report was received from the Health Inspector in regard to the Central Block in which he stated that it wqs in an unclean condition and that flies predominated. He suggested that the place should be thoroughly.cleaned and made fit for respectable tenants. It was decided to notify Mr. Scott, the owner of the Building, to have the property cleaned up within a specified time limit. 593 1 Dates for Registra- tion. Cental Block, Election Officers Upon motion of Mr. Giroux, seconded by Mr. Ross, the follawing election officers were appointed.- ppointed;Precinct PrecinctOne, D Charles J. Dailey Warden D John D. Barry Deputy Warden D Bartlett J. Harrington Inspector D Michael E. McDonnell Deputy Inspector R George Foster Inspector R Frank Lambert Deputy Inspector R Alfred Hayward Clerk R Marg E. Stankard Deputy Clerk Precinct Two. R Irving B. Pierce Warden R Victor Harmon Deputy Warden R George V. Morse Inspector R- Clifford Pierce Deputy Inspector D Randall Richards Inspector D Ruth Ray Deputy Inspector D John H. Dacey Clerk Precinct Three. R Hiram W. Jackson, Jr. Warden R Clayton F. Beach Deputy Warden R Frederic)C Tullar Inspector R Mark L. Dodd, Jr. Deputy Inspector D Charles E. Moloy, Jr. Inspector D James L. McKenzie Deputy Inspector ' Precinct, Four. R Howard Custanee Warden R Frederick S. Britton 7Deputy Warden R William E. Mulliken Inspector (Cont.) 593 1 Dates for Registra- tion. Cental Block, Election Officers 594 cn D Katherine Kiernan Inspector , D Daniel A. Gorman, Jr. Deputy Inspector D Frank Maguire Clerk D Alfred Tropeano Deputy Clerk Request was received from Dan K. McLean for permission Sale of to sell vegetables on Sunday at the corner of Waltham Vegetables Street and Marrett Road. on Sunday. Letter was received from the Town Counsel stating that in his opinion., no license should be issued for such sale of vegetables. Letter was received from the National Resources Committee stating that Federal expenditures for aviation are to be made in New England thd'-that if the Board was Airport. interested, to get.in touch with the State Planning Board in regard to the matter. Mr. Giroux moved that the letter be placed on file. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. Board of Appeals order granting permission to Clements H. & Mildred P. Ferguson to maintain a greenhouse Board of at 28 Vine Brook Road, w as received. Appeals Board of Appeals order denying the petition of James orders. M. Etter to alter one family house at 197 Woburn Street, rear, to accommodate more than one family, was received. ' Board of Appeals order denying the petition of Roy C. Peterson to maintain roadside stand at 27 Blossom St. at the corner of the Concord Turnpike, was received. Letter was received from the Mass. State Association Selectmen's of Selectmen requesting that the Board assist in procuring magazine, one dollar subscriptions to the magazine "The Massachusetts Selectman", Mr. Clark.stated that he did not receive his magazine and moved that the Association be notifed that the Board are not receiving their magazines regularly and requesting that they be sent. Mr, Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. Commitment of Water Services, House Connections, Commitment. was signed by the Board. Circular was received from the Highway Safety Div - Circular. ision giving a review of the six months' effort to reduce motor vehicle accidents in Massachusetts. Letter was received from B. L. Ogilvie & Sons, Inc. stating that they understood a new Airplane Field was to Airport. be built between Lexington and Bedford and requesting that the Board consider using their Half Hard Gas Shovel for excavating. No action was taken on the matter. ' The Welfare Agent recommended supplementary aid, medical assistance, for William LeGoff, a state case. Mr. Clark moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Potter seconded_ the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported in.regard to the case of Dennis Reardon who was sent to the Waltham Hospital for observation that he had cancer of the rectum and had been transferred to the Holy Ghost Hospital in Cambridge last Monday. They will take him therefor $12. per week. Mr. Mitchell asked approval of the hospitalization. Mr. Clark moved that the approval be granted. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported in the case of Mary Brown that it was impossible to get her out of the house to an occulist. He made arrangements, which were approved by the State Bureau of Old Age Assistance, to have a staff doctor from the Maes. Eye and Ear Infirmary come out for $5.00, and he asked approval of this, plus the glasses. Mr. Clark moved that the recommwndation be approved. .Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell asked approval of the hospitalization of Mrs. Mary Perry of Cedar Street. She was at the ' hospital four or five days with throat trouble on the recommendation of the Town Physician. She was examined there but they found nothing that they could do for her. Mr. Clark moved that the hospitalization be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and itw as so voted. 595 LeGoff case. Reardon case. Brown case. Kell ey case. Mr. Mitchell asked authorization for the hospital- ization of Mrs. Ruth Conyers, who cut a gash in her wrist. Conyers Mr. Clark moved that hospitalization be approved. Mr. case. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported in za gard to the Blondiet case, that the child, Jennie, age three or four, has club feet for which she has been treated at the Children's Hospital. She is to return tomorrow for a stay of some time and the Blondiet hospital agrees to ,take her for $10.50 per week. Mr. case. Mitchell stated that full reimbursement may be expected on this case from the State. Mr. Clark moved that the hospitalization be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. In regard to the case of Salvatore Murdoco;, Mr. Mitchell reported that he had worked for Busa and lived in one of his houses. He has now lost his job, and has been told to get out of the house and has applied for Murd000 Welfare. There is a wife and one child. The man is a case. State Case and the wife and child have an Arlington settle- ment. Mr. Mitchell rBcommended aid in the amount of $12, per week. Mr. Potter moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. 596 M Mr. Mitchell reported in regard to the case of ' Ralph Tebbetts. The man had been working with Dr. Tebbetts Blakely up to four or five weeks ago and expects to go case. back in the fall. _ There is a wife and three children. He has now gone to work on the W.P.A. and Mr. Mitchell asked approval for aid rendered to the extent of $12, cash and groceries amounting to $14. or $15. Mr. Clark moved that the approval be granted. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported that Mrs. Downey, who has' Downey been receiving State Aid, was only granted this aid aid. for three months. He asked approval of continuance of State Aid for three months if she is found in the same circumstances. Mr. Clark moved that the approval be granted. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted, Mr. Mitchell reported that Mrs. Umbrello and her son who were both in the hospital, are now at home. Mr. Umbrello Umbrello is on W.P.A. and is very much in need of casee supplementary aid in the matter of milk. He needs at least three quarts a day. Mr. Mitchell recommended supplementary aid not to exceed $5. per week. There is a man and wife and seven children. Mr. Clark moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported in regard to the Yodwish case, The man is now in the Westboro State Hospital for the Insane. Four children were committed to Westfield State Yodwish Sanatorium and two are now ready for release. It is a case. Boston settled case. The Child Welfare Div. does not want to return them or place them in their home while Mrs. Yodwish is there as she has tuberculosis also, but she would not go to the hospital. It is believed that Mrw. Yodwish is a mental case and Mr. Mitchell talked to Dr. Crumb, the Health Officer, who is to get in touch with Dr. Hardeastle in regard to trying to commit her to a psychopathic hospital. If this could not be done, the Board of Healthwill be required to take some action in the matter. In regard to the case of Mrs. Zarelle who has been Zarella to Worcester twice, Dr. Feeley and Dr. Hardeastle bo#h case suggest that she be sent to the Psychopathic Hospital for ten days to see if she is a mental case. Mr. Mitchell reported that Lillian Harmon had an accident at the swimming pool and was sent to the Waltham ' Hospital and the Welfare Dept. stated that they would standl-back of the bill. Mr. Harmon came in to the 597 The meeting adjourned at 11;45 P.M. A true record, Attest: 1 Acting Clerk. Department to find out about the matter, and does not want to sign a Welfare application. Mr. Mitchell -thought that it should be a matter for the Board to d ecide, as to whether or not the town was responsible in an accident of this kind. Mr. Giroux did not think that the Town should be responsible for the bill and stated that he would take the matter up with Mrs. Blake of the Lexington Public Health Assoc. to see if they would do anything in regard to the Harmon case. accident Report was received in regard to the accident from Mr. Garrity, Supt. of the Park Division. He stated that on July 28, while standing on the diving board, the girl lost her balance and fell, evidently hitting the side of the pool and scraping her wrist and shoulder. She continued swimming the rest of the period and stated she was all right when the instructors tried to examine her. Her wrist looked swollen, but she stated that it had always been that way. She had not returned to the pool since that day. Mr. Clark moved that the report be accepted but that no action be taken on the matter. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Ross moved that Elinor Moakley be appointed as Acting Clerk of the Selectmen and Board of Health from Appointment July 27th to August 8th, inclusive. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The meeting adjourned at 11;45 P.M. A true record, Attest: 1 Acting Clerk.