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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1938-12-12Street names. SELECTME23 SPJiEET ING DEC. 123P 1938 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Giroux and Messrs. Potter, Rowse and Clark were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. hearing was declared open on the proposal of the Selectmen to change the following street names: Blake Avenue Locubt Avenue Cary Street Oak Avenue Franklin Avenue Oakland Street Glen Road Robinson Street Hayes Lane Smyth Street Hazel Road Summit Avenue Highland Street Robbins Avenue Hill Avenue Hillcrest Street Hillside Ave. Independence Rd. Lee Street No persons attended the hearing. The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of the street names to be changed and a copy of suggested names submitted by Mr. Worthen to each member of the Board. Mr. Raymond appeared before the Board. He presented the bids for gasoline needs for 1939 as follows: Quoted Present Maximum Bidder terms price price for Discount based on terms of if any quoted trms. contract per gal. Gulf Oil Corp. Dealers Park Sq. Bldg. tank 8.50 Not given Net 15th Boston, Mass. wagon price. Standard Oil Co. Cormercial Gasoline 950 Old Colony tank car bids. Parkway price from 6.70¢ 7.45 Net (Reser- Boston, Mass. place of vation re. delivery taxes & suit) Shell Union Oil Corp. Posted 787 CommonwealthAve. tank car 6.50¢ 7.50 Net Boston price plus x¢ Cities Service Oil Co.,260 Tremont Posted St. commercial 6.70ygross 7.50/ gross 2% Boston tan. car 6.566 net 7.35' net 10 dys. price Colonial Beacon Co. Oil 6.70/ 6.70X 2% 15 dys. 1 n 1 61 The Chairman asked how much 2% would amount to in a ' ear and Mr. Raymond replied that it would amount to about 50.00. Mr. Walter Beatty and Mr. Samuel Kniznik, represent- atives of the Standard Oil Co., appeared. Mr. Beatty said that his company was very anxious to get the gasoline business this year, first because their product was an excellent one and second because about twelve people work- ing for the company lived in Lexington, two of them owning homes here. They do not think there is anything better on the market and think that the purchaser gets what he pays for. They have test cars and engineering services at their disposal which the town could use. He said that the company paid taxes in Lexington on three parcels and indirectly on several more. Mr. Beatty said that the bid submitted in- cluded no price for delivery of gasoline and in case of a drop in price, the town still got the gasoline at tank car price. Mr. Rowse asked if the company was bound by any trade agreement, and Mr. Kniznik answered in the negative. Mr. Clark said that the Board wished to assure the men that everything being equal, their company would be given con- sideration. Mr. Potter read the names of the companies which had submitted bids and asked if they were all major companies, and Mr. Kniznik replied in the affirmative. Mr. Beatty said that the maximum price was very important. The Chairman read the bids Mich had been received. He asked what argument the Board had for not giving the ' business to the Colonial Beacon Oil Co. and Mr. Beatty said that according to the figures, their company was not even in the picture. They retired. Mr. Clark moved that the contract be awarded to the Colonial Beacon Oil Co. at the bid submitted. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Town Clerk and Ur. Wrightington appeared before the Board. The Chairman said that the Town Clerk stated that there was an Act stating that foreclosure proceddings should be started within two years. He said that the Board wished to discuss the matter of granting Ryder an extension of time beyond December 15th on his tax title cases. fir. Ryder Wrightington said that the Judge was the only person who tax could grant an extension, but undoubtedly he would be title influenced by the attitude of the Board. The Chairman asked cases. if he believed Ryder was right in saying that he could get an extension on some of these cases. He replied that he did not believe Ryder could get an extension on six of them,- one in particular on which Tufts College has a mortgage. One of the cases concerns the land on the Cary Estate and he was satisfied that the land was not worth more than the outstanding taxes. He said that the taxes had run up to the equity in the land on the barn, residence and forty- five acres of land on the Cary Estate. Mr. Potter asked what the Town would lose if the Hyders were granted an extension, and Mr. Wrightington replied that it would merely be holding up the cases that 7 Cheney case. DiLuzi claim. much longer. He said that several in the original batch went back to 1930, but because of technical errors, they had been held up. Mr. Rowse asked how Mr. Carroll felt about it. He replied that he wanted to do his job right, but was willing to follow the suggestion of the Town Counsel and Selectmen. Mr. Clark moved that the Selectmen recommend to the Town Counsel that he consent to a six months' extension on the Ryder tax title cases coming up December 15th, provided Mr. Ryder redords in some fashion in Court the promise not to ask for further extension beyond that time, and provided that all technical defenses to any of these tax title foreclosures be waived and the amount for ex- tensions filed. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was unanimously voted. Mr. Clark then moved that the Town Counsel b e author- ized to bring actions of contract in the name of the Collector of Taxes on any unpaid taxes of Charles W. Ryder and the Lexington Estates Trust. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Potter left the meeting at 80-30 P.M. and returned at 10:30 P.M. The Town Counsel reported that the Cheney case had been tried and the Judge gave a decision in favor of the Town. I�Ir. Wrightington said he wished to discuss the DiLuzi claim. One Margaret DiLuzi was visiting a house just beyond the railroad in East Lexington eight days after the hurricane and in coming from the house, she claims she fell in a small hole which was unlighted at the time. Mr. Garrity says that lanterns had been put up but the neighbors say that there were none there. Mr. Garrity also stated that a great many lanterns had been stolen. Mrs. DiLuzits attorney requests a settlembnt of $175.00, but her actual disbursements amount to 026. Mr. Clark moved that the Town Counsel be authorized to make an offer of settlement in the amount of $50.00, this amount.to be paid from the Law Department Expense appropriation. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Wrightington said that during the Cheney trial, two police officers and several town employees were called Cheney as witnesses. They of course had to purchase their case* lunches and some have asked if they would be reimbursed for this. Mr. Clark moved that the lunches be paid for and charged to the Law Department appropriation. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Clark stated that the town voted to accept the Contributory Retirement system without knowing what the cost was going to be and asked if the Town could change 1 1 1 L its mind if it wished. Mr. Wrightington said that the acceptance could not be rescinded without a special act of the Legislature.. The Clerk stated that some time ago the Town Accountant had informed the Selectmen how the retirement fund would be built up and when it would cease to cost the town a great deal of money, and she was Instructed to get the information together for the next meeting. The Board discussed the matter of jurisdiction over the Elections budget. The Chairman road a letter from the Town Counsel stating that there were a f ew.things to do with elections of which the Town Clerk had charge and the other things were in charge of the Selectmen. He said he had talked with Mr. Dine of the Division of Accounts about splitting the account and he saw no reason why this could not be done if desired for accounting purposes. Mr. Clark moved that the Elections account be divided into two parts, one part to be in charge of the Town Clerk and the other in charge of the Selectmen. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. 63 Contributory Retirement System. Elections account Mr. Raymond presented sketches of pumping stations and asked the Board which they preferred. The Board's Pumping preference was one of colonial type. station Mr. Raymond said that the V.F.W. wished to engage Estabrook Hall for a smoker on January 18th and Cary Hall for ceremonies and a dance on Feb. 15th. Mr. Rowse moved Use of Hall that the uses be granted. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. R&y mond said that application had been received for the extension of a gas main in Somerset Road, a dis- tance of 300 feet, near the Merriam Street end. He thought Gas Main the extension was to increase the pressure. He was re- quested to find out why the extension was desired and report to the Board next week. Mr. Raymond submitted the report of the Boston Edison - Co. regarding street lighting in the center of the town. Street Each member was given a copy of the report and it was lighting decided to hold the matter over for one week. report The Chairman asked if the Board would approve a re- quest that the street lights be left on all night Christmas Lights on Eve and New Year's. it was suggested that the lights be all night left on until three o'clock, and hir. Raymond suggested on holi- that Lexington do whatever the surrounding towns were going days, to do so that it would not be necessaty to pay an extra charge. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Raymond's suggestion be approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond said that a month or so ago, the Board authorized the expenditure of x$`'40.00 for a survey and ad- vice in connection with the heating system. He thought that T he had received worthwhile service for that but wanted to go further and have the Board authorize him to ask new Heating advice. There is quite a lot wrong with the heating system. Sir vey There are funds available in the Town Office Building appropriation to pay for the extra charge, which will probably be $25.00. Mr. Clark moved that the request be granted. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond said that the Engineering appropriation would have $250. to $300. left at the end of the year becauae one man resigned. He requested authority to use that money and take the 'C.P.A. topo survey crew and put those Aldrich men out getting data on the Aldrich property so that they property could work up a W.P.A. project for the improvement of the property. He thought most of the field work could be done between now and the end of the Year. Mr. Rowse asked if the engineering; work would have to be done again if the Planning Board did not approve of the present plan, and he replied in the negative. Tvb?. Rowse moved that the expend- iture be approved. Mr. Clark took the Chair, and Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Clark then relinquished the Chair to Mr. Giroux. Letter was received from Annie McClure petitioning for an award of damages in connection with covering Vine Brook and the construction of a sewer through her property, ' should damges be sustained as a result of the construction. Mr. Raymond suggested that the Town Engineer and Mr. Spencer McClure be designated to invests -ate and hear claims in con-,ection claim. with these land takings, they to interview the oviers, find out the basis of their claims and then make their recommend- ations. He said that those gentlemen knew practically every- body that owned property in town and the Engineer is familiar with what is to be done. He said the only other way to do it would be to go outside and hire an expert. Mr. Clark moved that Mr. Raymond's suggestion be adopted. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond reported that the engineers found that by making a change in the location in the force main for the North Lexington sewer different from that described in the North vote of the Town, °,2500. to 63000. could be saved -- by Lexington going through private lands and ,property foreclosed by the sewer. Town between Bedford Street and Valley Road. In order to do this it would be necessary to get releases from the owners so that there will not be any litigation. He said that conferences had been had with the owners, who had agreed to settle as follows; James A. Aker & Margaret J. Aker - 475.00 Anna E. Rardin - 20.00 David J. Harrigan - 15.00 , Dorothy T. Taylor - 20.00 Cornelia Bierenbroodspot - 15.00 Louisa G. T. Bean - 30.00 65 He said there was an error in the vote in giving the name of the owner of the land where the pumping station will be located and release should be obtained from those people. He said that he expected to receive word as to what damages they would want, but he had not received that information. He su'-gested that the town offer to settle for the assessed valuation of the land plus 50`,0, which he thought would be between ,"150. and 51,200. He asked if the Board approved inserting these amounts in the releases. Mr. Rowse moved that the Board approve the amounts. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond said he had received requests to take out some stumps left after the hurricane at five or six locations. The removal of these stumps would cost about X100. He said Removal that -if the work was going to be done before Spring, it of stumps should be done now. Mr. Rowse moved that the removal of the stumps be approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Raymond submitted an agreement with'Skinner and Sherman, testing engineers on the North Lexington Sewer project, and asked if the Board wished to authorize the Agreement Chairman to sign the agreement. Mr. Rowse moved that the Chairman be authorized to sign the agreement. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. ' Mr. Raymond said that Allan Bean of 20 Parker Street had submitted a bid of y�.50 a cord for the wood at the Bid for dump and said that he would pick it over and take what wood he wanted. No action was taken on the bid. The Chairman said that the business men have requested that somethin" be done to solve the parking problem. They Parking suggest one hour parking until six P.M. and after that problem one hour parking in front of stores that are open. It was decided to hold the matter over for one week so that Mr. Raymond could give it some thought. The Chairman said that something should be done so that one of the department heads could be made an assist- Ass't. to ant to Mr. Raymond so that he would have more time to work Raymond on major problems of the town. No action was taken on the matter. The Chairman told Mr. Raymond that Roland Garmon spoke to him about the cesspool overflowing in the rear of Cesspool - the Branch Library. He asked Mr. Raymond to investigate it branch and Mr. Raymond suggested that the place be connected library. with the sewer. He said, however, that he would look into the matter and report later. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Raymond's term expired December 31, 1933 and that his budget Supt's included a salary item for 1939 in the amount of $5100. term. The matter was held over for one week. Mr. Raymond retired. 7 Letter was received from John Valentine advising Insurance of the expiration of fire policy under blanket schedule on Jan. 14th. This matter was held over for one week. Letter was received from the Lexington Knights of Columbus Columbus requesting that the services of town employees be Day dispensed with on Columbus Day, October 12th, each year, it being a legal holiday. No action was taken on the matter. Mr. Clark stated that he had two conventions coming along and wanted to make one statement. He noted that a Insurance policy placed with Mr. Irving G. Hall would be expiring shortly and he wanted to call the Board's attention to the fact that Mr. Hall was living in Belmont and was no longer a citizen of Lexington so was not entitled to renewal. Mr. Rowse requested the Clerk to ask Mr. Longbottom Signs. to request the store keepers to reduce any signs on their stores on Mass. Ave. in Lexington Center more than three feet in height to that size. Chief Sullivan appeared before the -Board to discuss the shortage in his budget. Letter was received from the Town Accountant stating that he had on hand unpaid bills in the amount of $151.30. The Chief said that one reason his appropriation had been overdrawn was the cost of repairs to automobiles. $725. was allowed for a new car and repairs and over �' x'900. was expended. Mr. Rowse asked wh there was P Y the extra ie expense and he replied d p that it was absolutely Police necessary to keep the cars in good shape. He said also there budget. had been an expenditure of x;100. for iron claws. The Chief said he would be at least $600. short. Mr. Rowse told the Chief that he would have to keep closer track of his appropriation and try to live within his appropriation. He suggested that the Chief appear before the Appropriation Committee Tuesday evening to see if that body would approve a transfer from the Reserve Fund. The Chief retired. Mr. Rowse moved that the Chief be allowed to bfing the matter before the Appropriation Committee without recommendation of the Selectmen. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from Alan Adams containing Town suggestions to be incorporated in the specifications for Report. the printing of the Annual Town Report. The suggestions were approved and the Clerk was instructed to include them in the specifications. Ia7r. Clark moved that a bond in the amount of 01000. be required from the successful bidder. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from Mr. Mitchell stating that the cash grants had been received and that the following 1 C 67 amounts would be needed for the balance of the year: Aid to Dependent Children x;150. ' Soldiers' Relief 500. Welfare Public Welfare 600. needs Total 74TMO. Mr. Potter moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer ;1250. from the Reserve Fund to the various charity accounts as listed. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell said that the rooms in the Barnes property would be ready in a week or so. He will need new furniture which will cost 0200. or 1225. He said that he Furniture had the money available, in the Old Age Assistance account. Mr. Potter moved that the purchase of the furniture be approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Clerk of the Board of Registrars with reference to their needs for the balance of Needs fox the year. The sum of $349,03 was requested and the sum of Regs. of $398.96 was requested for the month of January. Mr. Clark Voters moved that the Board request the Appropriation Committee to transfer $349.03 from the Reserve Fund. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Board signed certificate containing the expenditures Chap.90 for maintenance under the provisions of Chapter 90. Work Letter was received from the Division cf Metropolitan Planning; advising; that that body was recommending the Highway adoption of a six year program of highway development and planning Included in the program, was the new Middlesex Turnpike and the new Route 128. No action was taken on the matter. The report of the Board of Retirement for the month Report of November was received. The Clerk asked what the bill for services to vacate to the tenants in the Aldrich property and the bill for Bills advertising, the sale of the wood at the dump were to be charged to. Mr. Potter moved that these bills be charged to the Unclassified Account. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Clark, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Mass. Reformatory, West Concord - Trans. of Garbage Independent Tallow Co., Inc., 1,7oburn - " License Lowell Rend. Co., No. Billerica - it Carroll Bros.,,Allen St., Lexington - " Frank Dias, Concord - " E. K. Ballard, Wood Street, Lexington _ It John Glennie, Inc., North Andover rr John E. McHugh, Concord - t' Pattison Bros., Burlington - it John A. Janse, Newton Centre -it 66 Cornelius T. Shea, Lincoln - Trans. of Garbage I John F. McGrath, Burllm ton - it A. S. Duren, Carlisle - rr Chester A. Pogg, Lexington - rr Rydersr Stock Farm, Inc., Lex. - It Manuel Silva, Lincoln - if H. J. Seiler, Co., Lexington - Common Victualler Margaret W. Heywood,Lexington - it rr George F. Taylor, Lexington _ if It Licenses Colonial Pharmacy, Lexington - " rr Hymen D. Marcus, Lexington - " It F. K. Johnson, Lexington. - Methyl Alcohol Colonial Garage, Inc., Lexington - it rr F. K. Johnson, Inc., Lexington - 1st Class A�;entrs License Colonial Garage, Inc., Lexington - +r rr rr if Daisy D. MacAlpine, Lexington - Innholders+ License John A. Sellars, Lexington - Past. of Milk It was decided to meet on Saturday at 2:00 P. M. to Budgets discuss budgets. Liquor Application for renevial of liquor license was received License from Max Berman. The matter was held over for one week. Welfare Messrs. Mitchell and Morse appeared before the Board relative to Welfare matters. ' The meeting adjourned at 12:01 A.M. A true record, Attest: Clerk. 1