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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1937-07-20526 c� c� SELECTMEN'S MEETING JULY 202 1937. ' A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 3:30 P.M. Chairman Ferguson, Messrs. Potter, Giroux and Ross were present. The Clerk w.as also present. Letter was received from the Supt. of Public Works relative to the installation of an incinerator at the Lincoln Street dump. The materials arriving at the dump may be classed under two headings, one - combustible materials and,two - non-combustible materials. Mr. Raymond thought it would be impracticable to operate,an incinerator unless there was a public collection of the refuse of the Town in order that the arrival of the refuse could be controlled during specific times of the day and week. If this is started, much larger quantities of material will be received than under present conditions and it is estimated that it may amount to as much as ten tons per day during the summer season. If an incinerat=or is constructed, it should be built large enough to accommodate the requirements of the Town for some years in the future and should have, in his opinion, -a capacity of ten tons per day based on eight hours of operation. ' This would require a grate area of approximately 50 square feet. A firing hopper with gates to regulate the charge of the material placed upon the grates and an overhead crane with a grab bucket would be needed. Probably a stack at least fifty feet in height and twenty-four inches inside diameter should be provided. In order to provide Incinerator housing of the crane and storage space for material at dump. received in the winter, a steel shed, about 40' x 40' should be provided. Mr. Raymond thought that such a plant, with equipment, might cost between $15,000. and $20,000. He thought it would be impracticable to operate an incinerator without adding to the force employed to care for the dump which would consist of at least one more man capable of operating the loading device and taking care of and disposing of the ash and clinker from the incinerator. Mr. Raymond thought the present operation of the dump, burning materials as can be burned during the daytime, and leaving the hot coals to continue to smoulder during the night, was better than wetting down the dump in order to eliminate odors during the night hours. He thought the covering of refuse with soil or street cleanings would not reduce the odors but would result in more objectionable odors than at present. Mr. Giroux moved that the report be placed on file. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. ' The Clerk was requested to make copies of the report for each member of the Board. Letter was received from the Supt. of Public Works ' stating that the watchmen at the Public Works Building were cooperating in trying to reduce costs there as considerable saving in light and heat was effected in the past winter. The three watchmen are paid $.50 per hour for a forty hour week. Patrick Deevy, the blacksmith, is employed for forty hours a week at a wage of 3.55 per hour. Mr. Raymond thought that Deevy should be granted an increase to at least $.60 per hour. He thought the watchmen should have their rate increased to $.55 per hour in view of the contributory retirement system which has just gone into effect. He said that there was sufficient money in the appropriation to cover this inasmuch as the night mechanic provided for in the budget was employed for only a short time when it was found that he was not regularly needed and he was transferred to the Highway Division.. Mr. Giroux moved that the increases be approved to be effective as of July 19th, 1937. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Supt. of Public Works relative to the claim of Mrs. Pauline Tahre that her land was damaged during the work on Clematis Brook by the placing of stones on her land and within the limits of the easement taken by the Town last January. Mrs. Tahre stated that she had allowed some persons to harvest the hay from the land and pasture cattle on it from which she received remuneration amounting to $105.15 per year. Mrs. Tahre said she did not want any cash and would not claim damages if the rocks were removed. She claims that a fence, not in good repair, was knocked down. Mr. Raymond said that the land had dried up in the last few weeks and it might be possible to get on there to remove the rocks with a truck. He estimated that approximately 150 cubic yards of rock had been placed along the brook channel but within the limits of the easement. He said that the only available method of removing the rocks was by the use of Welfare labor and hiring a pair of horses and by making use of one of the trucks on the Brown's Brood project to haul the stones to that brook for rip -rapping. Mr. Raymond informed the Board that he was putting in returns to the value of $1.00 per ton for rocks used at Brown's Brook. Mr. Giroux moved that the removal of the rocks be approved and that the method of removing them be left in the hands of the Supt. of Public Works. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Qhairman informed the Board that Jerry Cataldo spike to him about the brook backing up on his land on Bow Street. He said that there was a dirt dam there and wondered if it would do any good to open it up. Mr. Raymond said that the brook was lower now than it ever 527 Salaries Pub . Works Building Tahre claim 528 Cataldo complaint. Stone at StAtue. had been under the same conditions. Cataldo is also com- plaining about the dump that Arlington has there and he claims that that town is dumping in Lexington. The Chairman requested Mr. Raymond to call on Cataldo and see if anything could be done on the brook and if Arl- ington was dumping in Lexington. Mr. Raymond said that there wasnotmuch use in doing anything more than removing the dam until Arlington continues its work on the brook in Arlington. Mr. Raymond informed the Board that the stone on which the Captain Parker monument is mounted is badly cracked. This is the third stone, including the original, on which the monument has been mounted and a lot of time has been spent in selecting the stones. Mr. Garrity has been in touch with Mr. Kitson, the sculptor, and in his last letter dated July 16, 1937, he states that a new stone must have the proportions of the present one. He said that if the statue would stand for the summer, he would like to talk the matter over with Mr. Garrity and select a new stone. Mr. Raymond said he judged that Mr. Kitson felt that he had charge of the statue, but he thought that an engineer might save some money in maintenance of the statue. He said he thought it might be practicable to have a patent and casting made of the stone on which the statue now stands if it could be colored and painted to suit Kitson. There are dowls in the stone about eightinches long which are leaded in and Mr. Raymond said that when these were used, the dowls were subject to movement because lead expands and con- tracts. He said that there was about $319. available in the fund for the maintenance of the statue. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Raymond obtain the cost of having the casting of the stone made and then talk with Mr. Kitson to get his reaction to the plan and report to the Board. Mr. Raymond said that Maurice Page was claiming a Page Land. piece of land in Great Meadows and told him that the Town was having some difficulty in getting a Land Court title to it. He offered to pay the 1937 taxes in the amount of $26.80 if the Board would abate the previous three or four years? taxes. No action was taken on the matter. Vacation Mr. Raymond brought up the subject of a vacation for for Miss Hilda Smith, who has been employed by the Town an average Smith. of two days per week and the rest of the time by the National Youth Movement. He wondered if she was entitled to a vacation. No action was taken on the matter. Mr. Raymond asked if the Board would approve filling the bins at the Public Works Building without taking bids on the coal. The bins have a capacity of twenty ton - 1 1 u He has received a price of $7.10 per net ton from the Lexington Coal Co. He will not need coal at the Cary Memorial Building until November and he thought that then bids should be taken. Mr. Giroux moved that the Supt.. of Public Works be authorized to purchase sufficient coal to fill the bins at the Public Works Building but that bids be taken for future requirements. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond reported on the drainage facilities in Hibbert Street. There is a thirty inch corrugated pipe in Mass. Avenue and a thirty inch corrugated pipe going through tome filled lands over across the railroad tracks. He said that if a driin was installed in Hibbert Street to the thirty inch pipe in Mass. Avenue, it would take about all the funds appropriated for Hibbert Street construction as the drain, plus the connection at Mass. Avenue, would cost about $1900. if built of cast iron. He thought it would be a mistake to build it of concrete pipe as it would wear through in three years. He said that Arlington had no funds available in the Hibbert Street appropriation to build the drain in Lexington. Lexington did not include drainage in the appropriation for Hibbert Street construction as no drain is required as far as Lexington is concerned. Mr. Raymond talked over the matter with the Town Counsel who said that diversion could probably be proved if it was found that Arlington had built its drain without the consent of the Town of Lexington. After discussion, the Chairman was authorized to write the Arlington Board of Public Works stating that the Town of Lexington had no objection to Arlington making a connection to the drain on Mass. Avenue provided it would lay the drain in Hibbert Street and mate the connection at Mass. Ave. and repair the pavement in Mass. Avenue. Mr. Raymond said that Harry Johnson had applied for nine sewer and water services in Daniels and Aerial Streets. The estimated cost of the water extensions is $2820. and $1660. for the sewer extensions. At a recent meeting of the Board, it was voted that water would not be laid in these streets unless Johnson did the excavating, and Mr. Raymond estimated that it would cost $200. less for each street for both water and sewer if Johnson did the excavating but he would not recommend it. One house is partly built and one cellar has been started on Daniels Street but nothing has been started on Aerial Street. Mr. Ross moved that an article be inserted in the Warrant for the next Town Meeting to see if the Town would authorize the installation of these services. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from Lulu M. Blake requesting that a hydrant be installed in front of 18 Oakmount Circle where she is building a residence. Mr. Ross said WK Coal Hibbert Street drain. Water and sewer for Johnson. 530 Mr. Raymond asked if he was to submit another W.P.A. W.P.A. project to fix up the East Lexington skating rink. Mr. Project. Giroux moved that another project be submitted. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond said that last Wednesday or Thursday, his attention was called to the fact that the elm leaf Elm Leaf beetle was doing a great deal of damage along Mass. Avenue beetle. and in back of some of the private property and it seemed as though the best thing to do was to start spraying all the elm trees in town immediately. The regular Moth Dept. men were on vacation and it was necessary to put on four or five men. This might make the tree approp- riation short by $400. or $500. but he did not know how it was going to come out. Mr. Giroux moved that what Mr. Raymond had done be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond asked that the Board authorize him to Waltham St. request that penolithic type pavement be used on Waltham Street, Chapter 90 work. Mr. Ross moved that the request be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond said that he had received an oral request for water and sewer in the Follen Hill development but did Water not know if it was going to materialize before the next Town Meeting or not. Mr. Raymond said that William Marshall of Independ- Claim ence Avenue was claiming that the Town damaged his wall by piling dirt along it. Mr. Raymond suggested that nothing be done on the claim. Mr. Giroux said that Mrs. Russell Allen called him and said that the children were used to using the sidewalk on the right side of the street when going to school but C that his concern w.:s laying the water main for her and he Hydrant at told her that the Town would install the hydrant. Mr. Blake Raymond said that the Town had not received a request for property water as yet. Mr. Giroux moved that the request be granted provided the Town has a legal right to install the hydrant. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond read a letter which he had received Water Dept. from Joseph A. Ross requesting that in view of the Con - salaries. tributory Retirement Act going into effect, the wages of William O'Connor, meter reader, be increased from 425.00 to $26.40 per week and the wages of James Rycroft, laborer, from 0.50 per hour to 0.55 per hour. Mr. Giroux moved that the request be approved to be effective as of July 19th, 1937. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond asked if he was to submit another W.P.A. W.P.A. project to fix up the East Lexington skating rink. Mr. Project. Giroux moved that another project be submitted. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond said that last Wednesday or Thursday, his attention was called to the fact that the elm leaf Elm Leaf beetle was doing a great deal of damage along Mass. Avenue beetle. and in back of some of the private property and it seemed as though the best thing to do was to start spraying all the elm trees in town immediately. The regular Moth Dept. men were on vacation and it was necessary to put on four or five men. This might make the tree approp- riation short by $400. or $500. but he did not know how it was going to come out. Mr. Giroux moved that what Mr. Raymond had done be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond asked that the Board authorize him to Waltham St. request that penolithic type pavement be used on Waltham Street, Chapter 90 work. Mr. Ross moved that the request be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond said that he had received an oral request for water and sewer in the Follen Hill development but did Water not know if it was going to materialize before the next Town Meeting or not. Mr. Raymond said that William Marshall of Independ- Claim ence Avenue was claiming that the Town damaged his wall by piling dirt along it. Mr. Raymond suggested that nothing be done on the claim. Mr. Giroux said that Mrs. Russell Allen called him and said that the children were used to using the sidewalk on the right side of the street when going to school but C 531 Independ- ence Ave. Vacation Rose case. 1°oise at Playground Mason - work. Request fm carnival Insurance could not now that a grass strip was there instead of the sidewalk. The owner of the house at the corner of Mass. Avenue and Independence Avenue has planted shrubs on the side street', some of which are within the right of way. Mr. Giroux suggested that Mr. Raymond take such action as is necessary to have the shrubs within the right of way removed:. Mr. Raymond asked if he was entitled to a vacation with pay. Mr. Ross moved that two weeks' vacation with pay be granted to Mr. Raymond. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Giroux suggested that John Rose, who is receiving aid, be put under the jurisdiction of Mr. Garrity to do such work as could be found for him. The suggestion was approved. The Chairman said that some of the people on Parker Street were complaining about noise at the playground after ten P.M. Mr. Potter moved that Chief Sullivan's attention be called to the complaint and that the Policd Department be requested to enforce the Park Dept. regula- tions regarding this. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was iso voted. ' It was also suggested that an article on this be placed in the local paper. Mr. Raymond said that William Mason wanted to know if the Selectmen were going to do anything about giving him work. The Chairman said that the only thing to do was to tell',Mason that the hiring and firing of employees was up to the heads of the departments. Mr. Ross said that Father Sullivan of the Sacred Heart Church had requested him to bring up the matter of holding a carnival on the Viano lot on Mass. Avenue opposite Sylvia Street. It was suggested that the neigh- bors be sounded out to see how they felt on the matter. The Chairman said that the first thing for the Board to do was to decide whether or not the location was adaptable. It was decided that Mr. Ross should talk over the matter with Father, Sullivan and suggest that another location be condidered.' Letter was received from Helen C. Whittemore advising of the expiration of the policy covering liability insurance on town cars under schedule on August 19th. Mr. Giroux moved that the policy be renewed through the same office,. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. ' Letter was received from Edwin B. Worthen to which was attached a letter from one E. W. Harrington of 531 Independ- ence Ave. Vacation Rose case. 1°oise at Playground Mason - work. Request fm carnival Insurance 532 c� yc Alexander, N. Y. Mr. Harrington, a decendant of the Street to early Harrington settlers in Lexington, suggested that be named some street in Lexington be named after the Harrington Harrington family, and Mr. Worthen suggested that Elm Avenue be Way. changed to Harrington Way. Mr. Potter moved that the Selectmen recommend that Llm Ave. be changed to Harrington Way at the next Town Meeting if the abutters have no objection. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Town Accountant Retirement advising that the Retirement Board established under the Board. Contributory Retirement System had organized with Clarence S. Walker as Chairman and James H. Russell as Secretary. The Board discussed the matter of Robert H. White, White - Oonsulting Supt. of Streets, coming under the Retirement Retirement Act. Unless he files a waiver before Sept. 29th, he Act. will automatically come under this system and his annual pension will amount to between $850. and $900. If the Selectmen wanted to pay him more than that, it would be necessary to put an act through the next session of the Legislature. It was'suggested that Mr. Ross take up the matter with Mr. White and he agreed to do so. Letter was received from the Moderator, Robert H. ' Committee Holts stating agreed that he reed with the Selectmen that on Building the Committee appointed in 1929 on the revision of the Laws. Building By-laws should be dissolved and another committee appointed at the next Town Meeting. Mr. Giroux moved that such action be taken at the next Town Meeting. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Selectmen received the Manuals for the General Manuals. Court for 1937 and 1938 from Representative Crosby and Mr. Giroux suggested that the Chairman write Mr. Crosby and acknowledge receipt of the Manuals. Letter was received from Chief Edward W. Taylor stating that an inspection of the Central Block had been made by him in company with the Building Ins ector arid -¢ anmxDertor from the State Police. It was found Central that the owner of the building was complying with the Block. law and that although the property was in many ways undesirable both as to health and safety from fire, the Fire Department felt that it had no grounds for asking or demanding that the building be condemned. Letter was received from Edward W. Carlson offer- ing to purchase lots 73, 74 and 75 on Fottler Avenue ' Sale of for the sum of $100. or $50. for lot 75. Mr. Potter lots. said that the man who was offering to purchase these 1 F L lots owned the adjoining lots and house. The grade is so steep that no one could build on these lots. He recom_aended that the lots be sold at the offered price. Mr. Giroux moved that the offer of Mr. Carlson of $100. for the three lots be accented. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. A swornlstatement was received from C. H. TobYy of 9 Warren Street complaining that a dog owned by Robert W. I'ernald of 4''Washington Street was a nuisance because of his barking at night. Letter was received from the Chief of Police stating that the complaint had been investigated and that the following persons said that they had not been disturbed by the Fernaldts dog: Miss Mable Cook, 8 Warren Street; Mrs.'Galt F. Parsons, 12 Warren Street; Mrs. Frederick B. Smalley., 5 Washington Street. Mr. Potter moved that the matter be left in the hands of the Chairman to discuss with. the Town Counsel and that a hearing beheld if necessary. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Town Accountant stating that he had been ordered to active duty in the War Dept. Headquarters; First Corps Area, from July 23 to August 5th. He -.requested that the Board grant him leave of absence during that period and said that he would be able to get home evenings to keep in active touch with Town work. Mr. Giroux moved that leave of absence be granted. Mr.Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. 533 Complaint re dog. Leave of absence for Accountant Letter was received from the Lexington Trust Co. relative to the safe deposit box. In 1934 authority to open the box in the presence of any bank official was granted to the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. The bank would like to have the order rescinded inasmuch as they woull prefer that the bank officials be eliminatdd from having anything to do with a customer's safe deposit box. Mr. Giroux moved that the order passed in 1934 be rescinded and that any three members of the Board together be granted authority to have access to the box. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from Mrs. C. H. Ferguson requesting the use of Cary Memorial Hall on Sept. 28th and 29th for a flower show to be held by the Lexington Field and Garden Club. Mr. Giroux moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Ross, the following licenses were granted: Slaughter House and Slaughter License � Henry J. Halloran - 75 Laconia Street; Safe Deposit box Use of Hall. Licenses 534 Sunday Entertainment (.august) - George W. Bean - 359 Bedford Street. The Halloran licenses were granted subject to the ' approval of the Health Inspector. Board of The Board of Appeals findings granting permission to Appeals Clarence N. Dalrymple to maintain a roadside stand at Orders 2621 Mass. Avenue and to Mrs. C. E. Gaffney to maintain a private school at 1968 Mass. Avenue, were received. The Chairman said that R. L. Ryder had requested that he be given a copy of the report of the Vine Brook Drainage Committee. Mr. Giroux moved that Mr. Ryder be furnished Report. with a copy of the report, and that the Appropriation Committee be furnished with copies also. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Chairman said that the Town Counsel telephoned him Sherburne and told him that Charles Ryder wanted Mr. Wrightington lot. to remove the attachment on the Sherburne lot. Mr. Giroux moved that no action be taken on the request. Mr. Ross seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from W. R. Greeley asking if the Alterations, Board wished to give the matter of alterations and additions Town Office to the Town Office Building any further study. It was Bldg. decided to inform Mr. Greeley that nothing could be done on the matter until funds were available. ' Letter was received from Robert Whitney stating that since building costs had increased materially, it would seem advisable to have the former appraisal brought Insurance up to date, and to increase the insurance to the higher values. Mr. Whitney offered to discuss the matter with the Board. The Chairman said that Mr. Hill had informed him that the cost of another appraisal would be about $100. It was decided to hold the matter over until the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:40 P.M. A true record, Attest: Clerk. SELECTM21 tC MEETING ' JULY 20, 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 and Giroux were present. The Clerk was also present. At 8:001P.M. hearing was declared open upon the application of Mrs. Hallie C. Blake for permission to maintain a three car garage at lot no. 129 and 130 Oakmount Circle. No persons appeared either in favor or in opposition. Mr. Giroux moved that the permit be granted subject to the approval of the Building Inspector. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. 535 Blake garage hearing. Richards bill. Donald Board of Survey hearing. Mrs. Ch rles G. Richards appeared before the Board and stated tiat she was unable to pay arXything•toward the care of her daughter, Agnes, while at the Middlesex County Sanatorium. She said that if she was ever in a position to do so, she would repay the Town. The Chairman told her that the 3 oard would look into the matter and advise her. It was ',decided to hold the matter over until the next meeting At 8:151P.M., Board of Survey hearing was declared . open on the ication of Robert C. Donald for the Jpp approval sof plan of a proposed street from Marrett Road at property 433. Mr. Donald and a Mr. Rockwood appeared in favor of the granting of the petition, and Messrs. Kraetzer and Kimball of the Planning Board were also present. Mr. Donald submitted a plan of the proposed street which is a dead end street, and the Town Engineer submitted his recommendation. The Chairman asked how soon Mr. Donald wished to get started, and he said that he would Like to get started as soon as possible. The Chairman said he did not believe the Board of Survey would approve the layout as it was a dead end street. He thought the best thing to do was to have the Planning Board study the matter and make its report and recommendation. The Clerk reported that Mr. George H. Lowe of 419 Marrett Road wished to be recorded in favor of the approval of either layout. No persons appeared in opposition. Mr. Giroux moved that the matter be laid on the table pending a recommendation from the Planning Board. ' Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Notice was received from the State Dept. of Public wealth recom:-)fending that a regulation be adopted requiring 535 Blake garage hearing. Richards bill. Donald Board of Survey hearing. 536 ac the restraint of all dogs for ninety days unless they ' had been vaccinated against rabies within a period of one year. Mr. Giroux moved that the order passed on Aril 12, 1937 restraining dogs that had not been vaccinated within one year from that date until December 31st, 1937, Dogs be rescinded, and that the following order be passed: restrained. "RESTRAINT ORDER" ORDERED: That all dogs that have not been vaccinated against rabies within a period of one year from the adoption of this order be restrained from running at large within the limits of the Town of Lexington (that is tied, leashed, or kept within owner's property) until December 31, 1937. By order of the Board of Selectmen, Charles E. Ferguson, Chairman, Selectmen. Mr. Potter seennded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from Ralph H. Wells, M.D., stating that about four weeks ago he had some plumbing ' done at his house and the town Plumbing Inspector made an examination without comment on the work. A few days wells - later, State inspectors made another examination and plumbing deemed at a loss to know the reason for complaint, if there was one. H. T. Moulton Co. of Cambridge was the plumber. Dr. Wells asked why it was necessary for the Town Inspector to make a complaint regarding the work. The Chairman said that the H. T. Moulton Co. did not take out the permit but got someone else to take it out and that is strictly against the State rules and regulations, so the Plumbing Inspector reported it to the State Board. 1r. Giroux moved that the Plumbing Inspector be requested to make a report on the matter. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 P. M. A true record, Attest: Clerk. 1