HomeMy WebLinkAbout1940-02-1260
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SELE7-TUENIS MEETING
FEB. 12, 1940 ,
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, Messrs. Potter, Locke, Rowse and Sarano
were present. The Clerk was also present.
At 7:30 P.M., Mr. John W. Raymond, Jr., Mr. Beach and
Mr. Cosgrove appeared before the Board to discuss the question
of the three proposed W.P.A. sewer projects.
W.P.A. Mr. Raymond said he did not know what the Board could do
sewr:r in the matter of making assessments. He assumed that it could
projectsnot assess any than was recorded as a lien. In the Lex-
ington Manor Sender, assessments would be made on Bedford St.
and Harding Road and probably one or two lots on Williams
Road. Assessments might be levied in the right of way from
the pumping station, but they 3robably would have to be
abated as the land is not lotted up yet. Mr. Raymond thought
it was certain that the sewer assessment rate for 1941 was
going to be at least 25% higher than in 1940.
The Chairman asked Mr. Cosgrove if in the total assess-
ment figure of $330000. for the Lexington iAanor sewers, he
had included everything that could be assessed. Mr. Cosgrove
said that the following had not been included: the land
abutting the right of way, the Parker School and the small '
allowance for tax title property. The Chairman asked if he
would say that $33,000. could be actually assessed, and
Cosgrove replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Raymond said he -thought the Manor project was not
likely to get very far along in 140 as a W.P.A. project and
that most of it would be done in 1941. The schedules that
are about to be sent out are 'cased on the 1940 rate. As
far as the Manor goes, it orojacly will make no difference,
but if someone petitions for a short sewer extension somewhere
else in 1941, they will have to pay a higher rate than':the
peo_3le in the Manor even though the sewers are built in the
same year.
The Chairman said Mr. Raymond believed the Board ought
.to use a higher assessment rate. He said he did not agree;
that the Town now has a chance to get a large amount of sewage
work done at a low rate and give the people a break. He
thought it best to assess the betterments at the 1940 rate.
He said the Town could borrow $50 000. for a ten year period.
The payment the first year would.5,000. plus interest at
a rate not exceeding 20 or about 1000.1 making a total of
$6,000. Approximately $3300.00 should come in the first
year, plus 6% interest on the total, or about 2,000., making
a total of $5300. Therefor the Town might be out of pocket
$1,000. the first year and he thought it would hold the same
relative position througlitout the ten years '
Mr. Rowse said the cost to the Tcwn for Carrying the men
on these W.P.A. projects would be much,lower than on other
projects and that fact should be ccrlsidered.
Mr. Raymond scid he wanted to bring one fact to the
' attention of the Board. He believed our 1940 sewer assessment
rate was lower than any town around was using now. There is
no qpestion but that each lot is actually battered far in
excess of these betterments.
The Chairman said that the health factor should be con-
sidered also in connection with the Manor sewers. The Chair-
man asked if t°�e Town could build sewers at the rate it is
charging in 1940 and Mr. Raymond said emphatically that it
could not.
Mr. Rowse said that if the Town could not build a sewer
for $1.30 per foot and that assessment figure had arisen merely
because of circumstances, he did not see why the Board could
not charge an assessment rate amounting to what it believed was
the proper figure.
Mr. Potter asked what right the Board would have to use
1941 figures and Mr. Raymond said it would have the right
because the sewers would not be dome before 1941.
The Charimen said he was very anxious to see all three
projects approved this year. He said that if the Selectmen
commit thems6lves to these three projects as part of the W.P.A.
program this year, they have recommended as cheap a program as
possible. If the Board does not commit itself to any of these
sewers and the W.P.A. program is abandoned in 1941, the cost
of building the sewers will be,very heavy.
Mr. Rowse said that if the Town Meeting Members would give
' the Board the authority, the bonds would not have to be sold
until after Town Meeting and the Town Meeting Members could be
assured that the money would be used for building these sewers
under W.P.A. and that the assessments would be based on the
1940 figures.
The Chairman asked how long it would take to get the
assessments figured and Mr. Raymond said that what took the
time was getting the signatures. He said that while these
were being obtained, the playground project would have to be
continued and the Appropriation Committee is already criticising
this project.
Mr. Rowse thought it would be well not to submit the
schedules to the Manor people this year until we know what
streets are going to be done. Mr. Raymond said he thought
the best prospect for getting tne Manor sewers done in--1940
was under the P.W.A. The Chairman said he told Mr. Wrightington
to word the article so that the sewers could be done under any
Federal agency.
The ChairmaTI said that the Liberty Heights and Merriam
Street schedules had gone out on the basis of $1.16 per front
foot.
It was decided that there was no rush in sending out
the Manor schedules.
The Chairman said that the Board could include in its
appropriation the Manor sewers, and have the work subject
' to the project being approved by the Government. That will
leave the B6ard free of criticism for building the North
Lexington Trunk line and then approving lateral sewers elsewhere
in Town before any in North Lexington.
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Mr. Beach said that he had hired a typewriter for three
or four years and paid $36. a year for rental. Now he has to
W.P.A. have another machine and asked the Board if it would not be
typewriter. advisable to purchase the typewriter he has been renting.
The Board told him to find out what the price would be
and also to get a price on a second used machine. Mr. Beach
retired at 8,12 P.M.
Letters were received from Ronald S. Macdonald, Admin-
istrator, Estate of Arvilla Derrah, 30 Bowker Street and Ivlra.
Lina A. Malloch, 31 Bowker Street, objecting to the cancellation
Bowker of the petition for the construction of Bowker Street. How -
Street ever, both individuals felt that the corner lots should be
assessed.
Mr. Raymond said that the situation was no d'_ffersht
than what it was when the last letter was written to Mr.
Dailey. He said that if the owners of the corner lots would
agree to pay the betterment assessments, then they could be
included.
It was decided to request Mr. Cosgrove to contact the
owners of the corner lots to see if they would agree to pay
the betterment assessments.
Mr. Cosgrove retired at 8:20 P.M.
Mr. Raymond presented a letter from Metcalf & Eddy
recommending a change order on Contract 5, North Lexington
Change Pumping Station, in the amount of 70.29, to provide for an
order. automatic emergency operati)n of tie two electric -driven
pumps in ease either one, for any reason, be unable to handle
the flow alone. He recommended that the change order be
approved and signed. Mr. Potter moved that the recommenda-
tion be approved. Mr. Locke seconded the motion and it was
so voted.
Mr. Raymond said that in 1936, the traffic division of
the Mass. Dept. of Public Works made a report to him on the
Traffic requirements to make the lights at Mass. Ave. suitable to receive
lights its approval, and also made recommendations as to what would be
,required at Merriam Street to fit in with that if we desired to
go ahead with it. The estimates which he had submitted in his
budget will take care of the requirements to have those lights
receive the approval of the Dept. of Public qVorks. His
estimates are as follows: Bedford Street and Harrington
Road - $350,00; Bedford Street, Mass. Avenue and Clarke Street,
$725.00.
Mr. Raymond said it was his opinion that the people in
Lexington would not be satisfied with those lights operating
that way because it will mean that anyone coming down Merriam,
Clarke Street or Harrington Road into the main street would
have to wait until the red period stopped, which might be
thirty-five seconds. While they might do it and be satisfied
to wait, Mr. Raymond thought that the people would much prefer
to have the lights flickering yellow as they do at the present
time. Mr. haymond felt the only way to take care of the
situation properly would be ti+lith actuators. That would
increase the cost materially and il.nstead cf a total of $1425.
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the cost would ':e abcut $4225. The cost at Harrington Road
with.'actuators would be $1750. (based on cne estimate cnly).
Mass. Avenue at Clarke Street would be approximately the same
price. Mr. Raymond said he had nothing in the estimate to
protect Hancock Street.
Mr. Rowse said that, especially on Harrington Road, he
thought it should be a question of actuators or nothing.
It was the feeling of the Board that the lights in this
vicinity should be put in proper working order but that nothing
be done on the lights at Merriam Street this year.
Mr. Raymond recommended that the Board ask for $450.
for each place as he thought the Town could then get controllers
whieh.might be used with actuators in case it decides to put
them in next year.
Mr. Potter mcved that the Selectmen recommend that the
e.isting traffic control system in the vicinity of the Common
be put in proper working order and synchronized with the
master controller at 17altham Street. Mr. Locke seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
The matter of drainage in Bow Street which Mr. William
Aquaro complained of on behalf of Joseph Vitale, was dis-
cussed. The Board felt that it could not afford to do anything
on the project at the present time.
Letter was received form the Town Engineer stating that
he had talked with Mr. Towne of the Buttrick Dairy Product Col
who believed that an additional street light located in front
of the building at 388 Bedford Street would minimize the
possibility of an accident at the location. The light in
this location would be centered between the two existing
ones which are approximately 400 feet apart. Mr. Cosgrove
recommend6d that the street light be installed. Mr. Potter
moved that the recommendatioXi be approved. Mr. Rowse seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
Drainage
Bow St.
Street
light
Letter was received from the Town Engineer relative to Street
the request for change in street numbers by VP. S. Caouette. numbers
Street numbering slips were delivered today to the two parties
whom Caouette reported, giving to each one a Prospect Hill
Road number instead of a Wachusett Drive number.
Letter was received from Joseph A. Ross, advising
that the sum of $600. had been included in his appropriation
for the Percy Road water main replacement, for the resurfacing
of the trench. The Chairman suggested that if the Board did
not want to add $1200.':to this, that $200. could be al Lowed
and that the trench merely be filled in and oiled, then the
balance of $600. could be carried forward to 1941 and used
in conjunction. -with funds to be appropriated in 1941 for the
reconstruction of the street.
It was decided to do this, and so advise Mr. Ross and
Mr: Paxton.
Mr. Raymond ret -'red at 9;00 P. M.
Percy
Road
64 �J
Liquor Mr. Rowse said that fie had had several complaints made
store hours about liquor stores being open in the evening. The Clerk
said that the hours were regulated by the Selectmen and that '
those approved on this yearts licenses were 8 A.M. to 11 P.M.
The Clerk was instructed to bring.up the matter in
November of next year when 1941 licenses are being considered.
Mr. Morse appeared at 9:00 P.M. to discuss Welfare
Welfare matters.
The Chairman said that Mr. Garrity came home on Sunday
and flowers costing $3.00 were sent to him. Mr.. Locke moved
Flowers that the bill be charged to the Unclassified Account, Mr.
Rowse seconded that motion and it was so voted.
The Chairman asked if the Board wished to send any
flowers to Father McCarthy who was injured in an automobile
accident. He suggested this because Father McCarthy has been
pastor at St. Brigid's Church for so many years. Mr. Sarano
moved that flowers be sent to Father -McCarthy and that the
bill of x$3.00 be charged to the Unclassified Account. Mr.
Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mid.Co.San. The Chairman said he had discussed with the Town Account-
Assess- ant the matter of raving the-Asse_sors pick up the Middlesex
menta. County Sanatorium -Assessment rather than appropriate it. Mr.
Russell thought that the Assessors should pick it up inasmuch
as Mr. Searle of the Division of Accounts had recommendeddit.
Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Searles recommendation be approved. '
Mr. Saran seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Searle relative to
the Aetropolitan Water Tax. Mr. Searle said that the Assessors
Met. Watershould pick up this amount also but that if the Town did
Tax. appropriate it, the Town Accountant should deduct that amount
from the appropriation voted. Mr. Searle said that the
proper method for the town to follow was to ignore the
Metroaolitan Water Assessment as it ignores the State Tax
when appropriations are voted as these items are beyond the
scope of the Town 'i1_eeting to appropriate for but must be
included by the Assessors.
It was decided to follow Mr. Searles recommendation
in this matter.
The Chairman said he talked to Mr. Hatch at the
Selectmen's Association Meeting Saturday and Mr. hatch said
to forget "Farm -to -Market" roads under the W.P.A. If any -
Roads. thing is available, the Town will have to act on it at a special
meeting.
The Chairman asked if the Board wanted to put in any
one street for construction this year, provided out snow
removal is at a very low figure prior to the Town Meetigg.
He said he had been talking with the Town Accountant about
the tax rate and he thought it would be about $32.5Q to $33. '
allowing 620,000. for Snow Removal. The Chairman said he
believed the Assessors should not figure in more than 90%
65
estimated receipts and Mr. Rowse thought they should figure
on 100%. Mr. Rowse ti_cught that the Appropriation Committee
should include in its-report what the appropriations would have
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to be in order to accomplish a 630. tax rate.
Mr. Paxton appeared at 9:50 P.M. He said that in talk-
ing with the State Engineer there is a possibility that the
State might increase its allotment on Chapter 90 Maintenance
from $1500. to $2000. He said he would like to see the Town
Chap. 9Z
appropriation left at $2000. If this was allowed and the State
and County came in with only 1500., he would have a total of
$5000. to use. Mr. Rowse asked if any of that could be used
on Spring Street and Paxton said that the money could be used
on any main street.
It was decided to leave the appropriation for Chapter 90
Maintenance at $2000.
Mr. Paxton retired at 10;00 P.M.
It was decided to meet next Tuesday at 7;30 P.M.
Meeting.
Report of progress of the committee appointed to study
and make recommendations on the proposed Plumbing-By-Laws was
Plumbing
received. It was decided to request Mr. Eugene L. Morgan,
Laws.
Chairman of the committee, to submit this report to the Town
Meeting.
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Letter was received from Ivtr. J. Henry Duffy, Chairman
of the committee appointed to study the Tenement House Act.
Tenement
House Act
Mr. Duffy said that as a result of the first meeting, it
Committee
developed that any fundamental changes in the law could not
be accomplished until the Legislature met at,ain which will be
next year. He said he would endeavor to have a meeting of the
committee soon.
Letter was received from Dr. I. H. Friedberg stating
Town
that he no longer wished to be considered a candidate for
Physician
the office of Town Physician.
Letter was received from the Town Counsel relative to
the report of the committee on the Building Laws. Mr.
Wrightington suggested that the committee report the form of
Building
By-law which he wrote out so that it might be received by
By-Laws.
the Town and then the committee could be discharged. The
Clerk was instructed to ask 1dr. Ferguson, a member of the
committee, if he would submit the report for Mr'. Bidwell,
the Chairman, who is ill.
The Clerk reported that the following uses of Cary
Hall and rooms in Cary Hall had been requested;
The Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce, requested
the use of the conference room on Feb. 23, for a meeting. Mr.
Uses of
Potter moved that the use of the room be granted without
Hall.
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charge. Mr. Locke seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The P.T.A. re,_uested the use of Cary Hall, afternoon
and evening, on February 6th for the showing of the film
"Golgatha". Iv1r. Potter moved that the use of the hall be
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granted free of charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion and
it was so voted.
The Boston Market Gardners' Assoc. requested the use of
Cary Hall on Feb. 20th for a banquet. Mr. Potter moved that
the use of the hall be granted subject to a charge of $30.
Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The American Legion requested the use of Cary Hall for
a dance in the afternoon on February 22nd. Mr. Potter moved
that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Rowse
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Potter said that the Lions Club wanted to know if
they could use Cary Hall free of charge to show the new American
League Baseball picture, the proceeds to be used for charitable
work. Mr. Potter m::ved that the .hall be granted free of charge,
date to be decided later. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and
it was so voted.
Letters were received from Dedham, Canton, Milford and
Bingham Whittensv.ille relative to the 'Bingham Surveys which were made
Survey in those towns. According to the reperts, the surveys were not
worth while so the Board decided to take no action on having a
similar survey made in Lexington.
Bd. of The appoihtment of an associate member of the Board of
Appeals. Appeals was held over for one week.
Mr. Sarano said that when Mr. Ross was thawing out
the frozen services they hired a welding machine. This
machihe would cost 41500. to buy so Mr. Sarano recommended
Generator that the Board approve picking up a generator and have a
mechanic at the Public V'iorka Bldg. put it on a Frame. He did
not believe the cost would exceed $400. The machine could
be used for welding and also for thatit;g purposas. No action
was taken on the matter.
Mr. Sarano said that he went down to Bow Street and
Street found that the -ulb on the pole at the corner of Winn Ave.
Light and Rindge Ave. was broken. He recommended that this
light be fixed and that nothing be done on removing the
shade in front of the Aquaro House.
Mr. Sarano pointed out that there would be plenty of.
Old Adamsuse for the material from the Old Adams School after it was,
School torn down. It could be stored .at the Public Workfi Bldg,
and used when wanted. The Board felt that it would be
cheaper to buy second-hand lumber. .
A letter signed by six property owners on Old County
Road requesting a change inthe name of that street to Paul
Revere Road was received. It was the Town CouT�sells Opinion
Street -that the Board of Survey simply had to approve the request
namee of the abutters.
Mr. Rowse moved that the change be approved and that a
street sign with the new name on it be made up. Mr. Locke
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
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Letter was received from Edwin B. 'Northen requesting VJ.P.A.
that the W.P.A. project for eopyin�; old town records be project.
' revived.
The Warrant for the Town Ivleeting was then discussed. Warrant.
The Board's stand on the Appropriation Committee's
report regarding mutual insurance was discussed. The majority Mutual
of the Board was opposed to placing town insurance in mutual Insur-
agency companies. ante.
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Letter was received from Mr. Wrightington with reference W.P.A
to transporting W.P. A. men in cars owned by W.P.A. workers. trans -
Mr. Wrightington sAid he felt that if the Town undertook to portation
furnish transportation and paid a particular car owner to do
the work, the town might be held liable for any negligence
of the driver.
Letter was received from Calvin W. Childs stating the Traffic
he wished to go on record as requesting that the traffic system.
control system in the vicinity of Lexington Common be put in
proper working condition, and also that a traffic signal
be placed at Merriam Street and Mass. Avenue. The Clerk
was instructed to advise Mr. Childs that the Board approved
putting the lights around the Common in proper working con-
dition, but did not approve the Merriam Street light at this
time.
.Mr. Rowse moved that the increase previously approved
in the salary of John O'Connor of the highway department, be Budget.
eliminated. Mr. Locke seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Commitment of water connection in the amount of 4122.35
was signed by the Board. Commitment
The meeting adjourned at 11,:30 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
Clerk.