HomeMy WebLinkAbout1937-04-12 393
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
APRIL 12, 1937.
A regular meeting of the Selectmen was held in the
Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 P.M.
Chairman Ferguson, Messrs. Potter, Clark, Giroux and Ross
were present. The Clerk was also present.
At 7:30 P.M. , Mr. James J. Carroll appeared before
the Board for the drawing of a juror to serve at the Juror.
criminal session in Cambridge beginning Monday, May 3rd,
1937. Mr. James W. Lowry, electrical engineer, of
36 Charles Street, was the juror drawn.
At 8:00 P.M. hearing was declared open on the appli-
cation of Mrs. Hermina Marsolais for permission to main-
tain a one car garage at lot #181 Calvin Street. Mr. & Marsolais
Mrs. Marsolais appeared in favor of the petition. Mr. Garage
Marsolais said that he wanted to change the plan a little Hearing.
bit and that instead of putting the garage on the side,
it was to be put in the back of the house. The Chairman
told him to take the matter up with the Building Inspector.
Mr. Ross 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 8:05 P.M. hearing was declared open on the appli-
cation of Vernon T. and E. Irene Robinson for permission Robinson
to maintain a one car garage of wooden construction off garage
Columbus Street. Mrs. Robinson appeared in favor of the hearing.
petition. No persons appeared in opposition. Mr. Potter
moved that the permit be granted subject to the approval
of the Building Inspector. Mr. Ross seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Mr. Potter moved that the Dog Clinic be held from
2:00 to 6:00 P.M. on May 5, 6, 7 and 8. Mr. Ross
seconded the motion and it was so voted. Dog
Mr. Potter moved that the Board of Selectmen, Clinic.
acting as the Board of Health, adopt the-following
regulation: "No person residing in the Town shall allow
any dog belonging to him to run at large in the Town
unless said dog shall have been vaccinated against
rabies at some time during the previous twelve months;
this regulation to remain in effect until December 31,
1937". Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so
voted.
At 8:10 P.M. hearing was declared open on the
petition of the New Eng. Tel. & Tel. Co. and the Edison Pole
Electric Ill. Co. for a joint location of poles on the location.
northwesterly and westerly sides of Lincoln Street.
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Mr. Busby of the New England Tel. & Tel. Co. appeared
in favor of the petition. No persons appeared in
opposition. Mr. Potter moved that the permit be granted.
Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted.
A Mr. William Linney appeared before the Board
and said that he came in to see about an extension of
the water main in Shade Street, which extension had been
turned down by the Town at the Annual Town Meeting. He
said that he had built a house and had to have water.
Before he purchased his lot, he asked for a petition for
an extension of the water main and he signed it along
with Neil McIntosh and each lot owner on his side of Shade
Street. He said that the Water Dept. put a connection
at Shade and Weston Streets preparatory to putting a
main in Shade Street. He said that someone from the
Water Dept. went by his lot and told his men that they
were going to put in water soon. He asked what would
have to be done to have water installed.
Linney re The Chairman said that the matter could be taken up
water in at the next Town Meeting; the owners of the street could
Shade St. pay in full for the installation of the main and take
their chances on the town's taking it over and reimbursing
them later on; that he probably could have the extension
put in under the guaranty., system, or he could put in an
artesian well. Mr. Linney- said that he believed a great
many more people would build if there were water in the
street. Mr. Ross asked when Linney purchased the land
and he said that he purchased it lest—November. Mr. Ross
asked if Mr. McIntosh guaranteed him water and he stated
that he did not but that he did agree to sign the
petition for the extension. Mr. Linney asked where he
could get water if he had to carry it and the Board said
that he probably would have to get it from his neighbors.
He said that he would try to get in touch with J. Willard
Hayden tosee if he would come in with him on the
extension. He retired.
Mr. N. S. Richardson, Jr. appeared before the Board
and said he was representing the Watch Tower, Jehovah's
Witnesses. In placing the Gospel before the people, he
Watch Tower said it was not a commercial enterprise but to encourage
request Bible study in the homes. He said that the organization
for sound wanted a permit to operate a sound car through Lexington
car permit. and that nothing would be broadcast to antogonize the
people. Mr. Ross asked when they would use the trucks
and Richardson replied that they would use the trucks
whenever the authorities would allow them to do so.
The Chairman asked how long they would want to use the
trucks. He said that they would not use them more than
three days a week at the very most and in the summer
they might be out until 8:30 in the evening but not in
the winter. They cover Boston and its suberbs and are
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now operating in Roxbury. They had a sound car in Bed-
ford yesterday. Mr. Ross asked if any towns had ever
refused them a permit and Mr. Richardson said that that
happened very seldom. They have a permit in Cambridge
and are going to try to get a permit from Arlington. He
said that short sermons, taking about four and a half
minutes, were broadcast. The Chairman told him that the
matter would be taken under advisement and he retired.
Mr. Giroux moved that the request be refused on the
grounds that it has been the custom of the Board in the
past to object to sound cars . Mr. Ross seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Raymond said that in 1923 the County made a
layout of Bedford Street near North Hancock Street and
there was a taking made at the Parks property at 265
Bedford Street . The cover of the Parks ' cesspool is out Cover on
on the right of way and the cover is not very heavy so Parks '
that boys could easily remove it and a car might go cesspool.
over it and be damaged. The Town Counsel thought that
a very heavy cover should be put on it. The Chairman
asked if parks should do this or if the Town should do
it. Mr. Raymond said that Parks never placed a claim for
damages but if he was forced to do this- -work now, he
might open up his claim. Mr. Ross moved that Mr. Raymond
be authorized to have the heavy cover put on. Mr. Clark
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Raymond said that the Scott agreement gave the
heirs of Scott the right to locate two roads across the
Park land and the matter has not been settled yet. The
Ryders no* own the land and the Town Counsel has given his
opinion that the right that Scott reserved now vests in
the Ryders. Mr. Potter said that he would like to
include this matter in the settlement of the drainage Ryder
cases. Mr. Raymond said that the ways had never been property
laid out and defined and apparently the Town and the near Park
Ryders would have to come to some agreement. Mr. Raymond land.
presented a plan showing the playground and Ryder prop-
erties and said that this was a plan of Barnes (Ryders '
engineer) . It was supposed to be in conformity with the
old plan of Shurtleff. The Chairman said that the thing
to do was to make the layout with the roads as shown on
Barnes' plan and to get an agreement from the Ryders.
Letter was received from the Town Treasurer stating
that on April 30th, 1937, the sum of $100,000.00 was due
to be paid by the Town on notes. Mr. Potter moved that Loan.
bids be taken on Tuesday evening, April 20th, 1937 at
7:30 P.M. on the borrowing of $100,000.00 in anticipation
of revenue, the bids to be dated April 21, 1937 and
payable December 3, 1937. Mr. Ross seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
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The Board discussed the matter of bids for shovel
work. The bids presented last week were as follows:
John A. Gaffey - $5.17
R. H. Stevens - 5.50
University Excavating Co. - 5.65
Mr. Raymond said that he had a letter from Mr.
Stevens stating that his bid provided for wages in
accordance with the State regulations and payment of
Shovel the trailer charges one way. He also had a letter from
bids. John A. Gaffey stating that he would pay wages in
accordance with State regulations and the transpottation
one way would have to be paid by the Town. If the shovel
is taken from the Town while it is being used, Gaffey
will pay for the transportation.
In response to Mr. Ross 's inquiry, Mr. Raymond
stated that last year a total of $21,693.50 was paid
R. H. Stevens by the Town of Lexington. Mr. Potter asked
how many hours the shovel would be needed this year and Mr.
Raymond said that he did not have a very definite idea
of that but he believed it would not be over 300 hours.
Mr. Ross said that he was in favor of giving the contract
to Stevens but he thought his money should be held up
until the bills owed the Town were paid. Mr. Giroux
suggested that the Chairman discuss the matter further
with Mr. Stevens to see what he would do about it. Ir.
Raymond said that he wanted to use the shovel tomorrow.
Mr. Clark asked why the contract should not be awarded
to Gaffey as he was low, and Mr. Raymond said that it was
because of the transportation cost.
Mr. Clark moved that the shovel contract be awarded
to R. H. Stevens, the details of the collection of money
to be worked out by the Selectmen. Mr. Potter seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
The following bids were received for sand and gravel:
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Bids forMri 000 ob0 off 42
Sand and a *{ .pg , co .
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Gravel om m � 0 P � 0 • � • 0
M08 O av0c�� -Z a
Fine Sand $1.25 $1.05 $1.10 $1.15 $ .85
Coarse Sand(1/8 to 3/3) 1.15 1.05 1.00 1.00 .85
Peastone in 1.75 1.55 1.60 1.50 1.20
#1 Stone 1.65 1.45 1.45 1.50 1.10
#2 Stone 1.65 1.45 1.45 1.50 1.10
Rough Bank Gravel .65 .80 1.00 .40
Crushed Bank Gravel 1.15 1.15 1.25 .90
Spreading Charge .20 .25 .20
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Mr. Clark moved that the contract be awarded to R. H.
Stevens, the low bidder. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Mr. Potter moved that 25% be deducted from the money
to be paid Stevens for the purchase of sand and gravel and Stevens -
10% be deducted from the money to be paid him for the hire payment
of equipment, and that the money deducted be paid toward on bills.
his account for outstanding water bills. Mr. Giroux
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Raymond said that he had received an application
for the use of Cary Hall on Thursday, November 18th, from
the Church of Our Redeemer for a fair and supper. Use of
Mr. Clark moved that the use of the hall be granted Hall.
subject to the minimum fee of $15.00. Mr. Potter
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Raymond said that he had received two applications
for the position in the Engineering Department, one from
W. S. Mariner, 82 High Street, Canton and one from William
H. Kearns of Wachusett Drive, Lexington. Mr. Raymond said Employment
that he had interviewed both of the applicants and he of
thought them both qualified for the position. Kearns is Engineer.
46 years old and Mariner is 31. He recommended that
Mariner be employed at the rate of $34.00, which is the
salary that the Board stated it would be willing to pay.
Mr. Clark suggested that the job be offered to Kearns at
$34.00 and if he refuses, that the job be offered to
Mariner at the same rate of pay. Both applicants were
approved by the Board, but it was felt that the job should
be offered to the local resident first.
The following bids were received on the two ton truck
with special body for patching:
F. K. Johnson $1198.35
Calvin W. Childs 1242.00
International, Model D.30 1439.73 Bids on
Colonial Garage, Inc. Truck
G.M.C. - T.16-H.B. 1480.23
Sterling - Fed. 15 1497.38
Reo 1560.65
International - Model D-35 1662.97
M. S. O 'Brien - Dodge 1734.50
Mack, Jr. 2064.94
Mr. Raymond recommended that the truck be purchased
from F. K. Johnson. Mr. Clark moved that the Supt's.
recommendation be adopted. Mr. Giroux seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
The following bids were received for furnishing a
Sedan for the Engineering Department:
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Town Garage - .Plymouth $660.00
Less Allowance 325.00II
Net price J33b•UU
(Fed. tax to be deducted)
F. K. Johnson - Chevrolet $664.50
Bids on Less Allowance $267.25
Sedan for Less Fed. Tax 17.25 284.50
Engineering Net Price ;680.00
Dept.
Calvin W. Childs - Ford 85 $649.00
Less Allowance - $225.00
Less Fed. Tax 13.51 238.51
Net price ;410.49
Colonial Garage - Pontiac $806.00
Less allowance $272.00
Less Fed. Tax 13.51 285.51
Net Price ;520.49
Mr. Potter moved that the bid of the Town Garage be
accepted. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so
voted.
The following bids were received on furnishing a
Coupe for the Highway Department:
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F. K. Johnson - Chevrolet $628.50
Less allowance $292.05
Less Fed. Tax 16.45 308.50
Bids on Net Price ;320.00
Coupe for Calvin W. Childs - Ford $634,00
Highway Less allowance $265.00
Dept. Less $44. for 60 H.P. 44.00 309.00
Net. Price ;325.00
Ford $634.00
Less allowance $265.00
Loss Fed. Tax 12.00 277.00
;357.00
Town Garage - Plymouth
$625.00
Less allowance $275.00
Less $5. for black 5.00
Less Fed. Tax 12.47 292.47
Net Price ;332.53
Colonial Garage - Pontiac $780.00
Less allowance 330.00
;450.00
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Mr. Clark moved that the Coupe be purchased from
F. K. Johnson, but it was not carried. Mr. Ross said
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that the Board was changing its policy of lad: year, as
it was the policy then to purchase the trucks from Childs
and the pleasure cars from Johnson, and the Board was now
awarding both trucks and pleasure cars to Johnson. Mr.
Giroux said that he was inclined to agree with Mr. Ross
that the business should be split up. Mr. Raymond said
that they had no car for Mr. Beach and he had been using
the Supt. of Public Works ' car which worked out satisfac-
torily in the past few months but which would not do much
longer as construction work would be in progress.
Mr. Clark again moved that the Coupe be purchased
from F. K. Johnson. Mr. Potter seconded the motion. Mr.
Ferguson voted in favor and Messrs. Ross and Giroux voted
in opposition. The motion was carried.
Letter was received from the Supt. of the Highway
Division requesting that the following wage increases be
granted: Highway
Name From To. Division
Wallace Wesinger $.671-15Wr hour $.65 per hour wage
Andrew Hammarbeck .55 " " .60 " " increases
Frederick Maloney $.50 & $1.00 t.60 & $1.00
John Wood S.50 .55
John Sweeney .55 .60
Mr. Ross moved that the increases be approved. Mr.
Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Giroux stated that Miss McCaffrey called him with
regard to the fence on her property at Parker Street and
he told her that the matter would probably be taken up at
the next Town Meeting. The Chairman said that he told her
the same thing in his letter to her. Mr. Giroux said that
Miss McCaffrey alao complained that the Town had damaged
her property on Mass. Avenue when that street was rebuilt. McCaffrey
The damage to other properties was repaired but hers was fence and
not . Mr. Raymond said that the Town had a license from damage to
Miss McCaffrey to maintain a water pipe to the playground property
through her land, which license reads that the pipe
shall be taken out when the McCaffreys request it, and she
says that if the fence is not fixed the Town will have a
request for the removal of the pipe. The Chairman said
he thought the Town could take an easement there inasmuch
as the pipe was already installed. Mr. Raymond said that
he would look into the matter of the damage to her property
on Mass. Avenue.
Mr. Giroux stated that Katherine Harrington requested
one hour parking on her aide of Clarke Street. The Parking
Chairman suggested that a report on the matter be on Clarke
requested from the Chief of Police. Street.
Letter was received from Mr. A. B. Tenney relative
to the traffic lights at the junction of Watertown Street
and the Concord Turnpike. He asked if it was possible '
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to readjust the timing of the lights so that people
coming from Watertown onto the Turnpike and those
Lights at coming from Lexington onto the Turnpike could enter it at
Watertown different intervals of time. He also suggested that an
Street & arrow be placed so that people coming from Cambridge
Concord along the Turnpike toward Lexington could turn to the
Turnpike. right into Watertown Street without having to stop.
The Chairman said that the arrow had been installed
since about one month ago. Mr. Raymond said that the
matter had been discussed with the traffic engineer for
the State, who said that there was no reliable timing
device allowing for the delay of one of the lights at
the present time but that they were working on such a
device and hoped that it would be perfected soon.
Mr. Giroux suggested that Mr. Raymond advise Mr.
Tenney what had been done on the matter.
Letter was received from James A, Guthrie applying
Application for a position as foreman on Public Welfare, Labor and
for Superintendence. Mr. Raymond said that Guthrie•spoke to
position as him about the job and he asked him for a letter stating
foreman. his qual fications but he had not received it. The
Chairman stated that he thought the matter should be
turned over to the Supt. of Public Works to pick out
his own foreman. Mr. Giroux moved that the Chairmants
recommendation be approved. Mr. Ross seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from Mrs. L. F. Ellis, to
Speeding which was attached a copy of letter she had written the
on Chif of Police relative to de peeding on Waltham Street,
Waltham St. pasther house. a requestedthat something be done to
eme'or ?oss moven the that a "Slow" sign be set up and
that the Police Department be requested to enforce the
speeding regulations and that Mrs. Ellis be so advised.
Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Letter of Letter of thanks was received from Matthew Steven-
thanks. son for his appointment for the ensuing year and for his
increase in salary.
Invitation was received from the I.O.O.F., Arl-
Invitation ington Encampment, to attend an athletic night on
Monday, April 26th. It was voted to accept the in-
vitation with thanks.
Request was received from Ina A. Downs, Deputy
Girl Sc is Commissioner, Lexington Girl Scouts, that the Lexington
permit to Girl Scouts be granted permission to sell cookies on
sell cookies. the 19th of April at the following locations:
1888 Mass. Ave. - Residence of Rev. Marshall;
1736 Mass. Ave. - Residence of L. H. Truesdell.
Mr. Clark moved that permission be granted. Mr.
Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted.
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The Chairman said that he had received a letter from
the 19th of April Committee stating that the Committee
was not in favor of granting a permit to Mr. John A. May Permit
of the Mass. State Guard, Lexington Unit, to operate a for stand
stand on the 19th of April.
Mr. Giroux moved that the request be refused. Mr.
Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from the Town Counsel stating Pierce
that the attorney for Mr. Pierce in the case of Pierce case.
vs. Lexington had agreed to settle for $37.50.
Letter was received from the Town Counsel stating
that he had collected $420.00 from D. J. O 'Connell in Settlement
settlement of an execution against him in the case of of water
Lexington vs. Mercadante et al. Mr. Wrightington said guaranties
that this completed work on the water guaranties which
he was instructed to collect in March, 1935, and he
enclosed a bill in the amount of $409.80. Mr. Wright-
ington cgllected nearly $3,000.00.
Mr. Ross moved that the check be accepted and the
bill approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it
was so voted.
Letter was received from the Town Counsel stating
that he found no authority for the election of Field
Drivers and Fence Viewers . He said that General Laws, Appointment
Chapter 49, Section 1 says that the Selectmen shall of Field
annually appoint two or more fence viewers and Section Drivers.
22 provides that the Selectmen may appoint Feld Drivers.
He suggested that the Selectmen incorporate in their
records, an a-lpointment of the same officers that were
elected at the Town Meeting and that hereafter the
appointments be made by the Selectmen each year and
that no further votes of this character be made by the
Town.
Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Giroux,
it was voted to grant the following licenses :
C. E, Barnaby, 1804 Mass. Avenue - Bowling Alleys
Lowell Rendering Co*, Lowell - Trans. of Garbage License Licenses
The Salvation Army, Boston - Junk Collector's License
Hyman Weiss, Stoneham, " " tt
L. J. Reynolds, 1736 Mass. Ave.- Overhanging Sign "
F. K. Bgllarc., 148 Wood Street - Keeping of Swine
Western Union, Mass. Avenue - Overhanging Sign
Marion B. Holt, 844 Mass. Ave. i Intelligence Office
Mr. Giroux suggested that the Chairman write a Letter of
letter of thanks to Allan Adams for the bound copies thanks
of the Town Report.
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The Board discussed the matter of changing the
Change of meeting night from Tuesday to Monday and the Chairman
meeting said that the week would have to end on Thursday
night. instead of Saturday and that the first week the lab-
orers would lose one and a half days ' pay. The Chair-
man suggested that the Supt. of Public Works get the
reaction of the laborers to this change.
Mr. Ross stated that he wanted to discuss the
Police Police situation. He suggested that the Chief be
Dept. requested to shift around the day and night men. The
Chairman suggested that the Chief be invited to appear
at the next meeting to discuss the matter.
Mr. Giroux moved that the Chief of Police be
Junk written a letter requesting him to prosecute persons
Licenses. collecting junk without a license. Mr. Ross seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
Brown Mr. Ross stated that he had received a call about
Zoning the Roger Brown violation of the Zoning Law on Marrett
Violation. Road. The Chairman said that the matter had been
turned over to the Building Inspector for action.
The Welfare Agent discussed welfare matters with
the Board.
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
Clerk.
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