HomeMy WebLinkAbout1940-07-22278,
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
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July 22, 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 and Rowse and Sarano
were presnet. The Clerk was also present.
At 7:30 P.M. Mr. Carroll appreared before the Board
Loan
for the opening of bids on a loan of $35,000. for the W.P.A.
North Lexington Sewer Project.
The following bids were received:
Lexington Trust Co., 100.21 - 1%
R.L. Day 100.*419 - 11%
Estabrook & Co. 100+45 - t►
Second National Bank 1004093 - I%
Bond & Company 100.229 - 14%
Tyler & Company 100 .952 - "
Lee, Higginson Co. 100.51 - it
R.K. Webster 100.052 - 1�%
Mr. Potter Roved that the bid of the Lexington Trust
Co. be approved and that the Town Treasurer be authorized to
proceed to borrow the money from that bank. Mr. Locke
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
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Mr. WrigYitington and Mr. Raymond appeared before the
Board at 7:35 P.M. They discussed the case of Matthews,
vs. Weisenger. Matthew's car struck a town -owned snow
plow operated by Mr. Weisinger during a blinding snow storm
and Matthews sued Weisinger. Mr. Wrightingtor_ said that
Matthews
the Auditor made a preliminary finding on the property
case
damage part of the claim and Matthews was willing to settle
for 145.98. The Board voted that if it had the right, to
make a settlement for that amount and the Town Counsel
approved the settlement, that it would be best to go ahead
and do so. Mr. Wrightington said he would report on the case.
Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board.
Mr. Raymond said that Mr. Donald Reynolds had made
three wash borings on the Stevens land. These wash borings
showed that gravel and sand extended to a depth below water
Stevens
level five feet more than he had assumed in his first re -
case.
port. He also found that there was saleable gravel below
water level which could be excavated if it was economical
to do so. It was his opinion from the borings taken that
a twenty foot layer could be obtained below the ground
water level. In his first report he esitmated that fifteen
or twenty feet was as much as it would be practical to
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excavate below the water level. He also said that as far
as he knew, there was no under water pit being operated
in New England because there is an abundance of gravel
and sand above the water level. The conclusions in his
first report still hold as a result of the wash borings.
His conclusions are that there never will be taken more
than 100 thousand tons from the Stevens pit. The deposit
is about played out above water. From a damage standpoint,
he recommended relinquishing the taking and flooding the
it if necessary. The value of the gravel which he found is
1500, for that above the water level ( there being no damage
to that) and $p'12,000. for that below the water level. Mr.
Raymond said that he wanted to reserve the right to flood
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the.l'and. He said that the town had built the works and
they were thereto do what Lexington told Burlington they
would do. As longus we keep the works as they are, we fulfill
our obligations to Burlington. Mr. Wrightington said he
would like authorization to employ Mr. Neil McIntosh as a
real estate expert on this case and also in the cases of
Morrow, Kenrick and Porter Bros. and Wilson.
Mr. Locke moved that such authoPization be granted
Mr. Wri tington, the expense for the four cases not to
exceed $200. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was
so voted.
Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Wrightington be instructed
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to refuse to settle the Stevens case for the sum of 20,000.,
which was offered by Mr Stevens' attorney. Mr. Potter Expert
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
,,.Mr. Raymond said he talked with Mr. Wrightington about
hiring an expert on ground water on farm land. He thought
that Mr. Paul Dempsey would serve in this capacity. Mr.
Potter moved that Mr..Wrightington be authorized to employ
Mr. Paul Dempsey where needed in these cases. Mr. Locke
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
At 8:30 P.M. Mr. Stanley Higgins appeared before the
Board to discuss the partial release of sewer lein on the
Ryder propepty on Vine Brook Road and Sherburne Road.
Last spring Ryder asked the Board to release a portion of
his land on Vine Brook for 5118.18, and the agreement was
signed at that time. Ryder never paid the money so the Ryder
releases never went out. Mr. Ryder has now made up another liens.
partial release giving as a reason the fact that it was
necessary to change the area of the lot to be conveyed.
The same figure of X118.18 was used and Mr. Wrightington
asked Higgins to check the figure. They find that it should
be $140.92. Mr. Locke moved that the partial release
of the sewer lien on the Ryder property on Vine Brook Road
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and Sherburne Roads be signed. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Proposed
street
layout
Mr. Higgins said that Mr. Ryder had requested abate-
,
ment of the sewer assessments on the area on Lot "Xt' within
® tie "ef'eaapot� fi�ejrgadfithin
11n�'s
layoea��o�ner
o e nes of the layout o her urne Roa . Mr. Rowse
a of
moved that the abatements be authorized. Mr. Locke
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Ryder appeared before the Board at 8:45 P.M. He
said he thought the interest on the uncollected sewer
assessment on Lot t'Xt' and lot 11 should be abated inasmuch
as those lots were entirely under water for the past four
years. He retired.
Mr. Raymond su;vgested that itwould be a good idea for
the Town to get a release from the Ryders of any claim
for damages to the bridge on Winthrop Road extension.
Mr. Paxton agreed to talk to Mr. Ryder and see if he would
get such a release. The Board said that if Ryder gave the
release, it would be willing to allow the abatement of the
interest on the sewer assessment on lot "X" and lot 11.
Mr. Raymond retired.
Mr. T., A. Custance appeared before the Board at.9t00
P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce
requesting that the Board proceed with a Board of Survey
layout for a street from Vine Brook Road to Waltham Street
along the line of the sewer easement. He discussed the
various layouts of a proposed street from Mass. Ave. to
Vine Brook Road beside the Viano property. The original
layout made in 1930 showed a 100 foot way through this
territory. Later this was reduced to 80 feet. Mr.. Cus-
tance recommended making this a 60 foot layout. Mr. Wright-
ington said that an attempt had been made to have the ex-
terior lines of a street in this location established but
when the matter was brought up at a Town Meeting, it was
turned down. Mr. Rowse asked what the advantage of this
would be inasmuch as Route 128 was going to be changed.
Mr. Custance said that there -arrays would be a great
deal of traffic along Waltham Street. The matter was left
that Messrs. Paxton, Raymond and Wrightington would study
thematter and report to the Board. Mr. Custance said that .
would be agreeable to the Chamber of Commerce. He retired
at 96-15 P.M.
Mr. Wrightington retired.
The Chairman said that Mr. John J. Rudd had asked for
Sound car permission to operate a sound truck on July 29th.to incite
permit voters against the apartment house matter. Mr. Locke
moved that the application be denied. Mr. Rowse seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
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The Chairman said that the American Legion requested
permission to place a banner welcoming the veterans to
Lexington during the American Legion Convention in Sept- Legion
ember, the banner to be placed across Mass. Ave. be- banner,
tween the Hunt and Savings Bank properties. Bir. Potter
moved that the Board approve such a banner provided it
was in good condition and the Legion obtains permission
from the property owners.first. Mr. Rowse seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Paxton recommended that the Town Treasurer be
requested to take bids on a temporary loan of $3000* in
anticipation of Chapter 90 reimbursements. Mr. Potter Loan
moved that Mr. Carroll be requested to obtain bids on a
loan of $3000. the notes to be issued for a period of one
year, to be dated August 7, 1940 and payable Aug. 6, 1941,
Mr. Paxton said that on August let, fire insurance
policy under blanket schedule in the sum of 05000, expired
through the office of Arthur A. Marshall & Son. Mr. Potter
moved that the policy be renewed through the same office
for a period of five years. Mr. Locke seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Insurance
Mr. Paxton said that on Aug. 20 policy under blanket
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schedule in the amount of $10,000. expired through the
office of George W. Taylor.& Son. lir. Potter moved that Insurance
the policy be renewed through the same office for a period
of five years. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was
90 -:Voted,
It was decided to holdup on the automobile liability
insurance expiring on Aug. 19th until the next meeting.
Mr. Paxton submitted a building regulation.and said
that he had talked it over with Messrs. Ferguson and
Cosgrove. They all thought that rather than a regulation
it should be a method of procedure that the Building Inspector
should be instructed as follows:
"All applicants for building permits shall first
make application to the Building Inspector, who shall
send the applicant to the Engineering Department for Building
approval of the location relative to street line and regulation
grade and the Engineering Department shall then issue
a certificate of approval or disapproval within forty -
eight hours."
Mr. Rowse moved that the Selectmen request the Building
Inspector to pursue this method of procedure beginning
August 10 1940, Mr. Sarano seconded the motion and it was
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so voted.
Mr. Paxton that he had had difficulty in
said storing
dynamite in the Public Works Building. Now dynamite is
Dynamite obtained in Waltham each morning and what is left over
magazine has to be returned each night at a cost of $2, each way.
George 'Whiting has a second-hand safe which he is willing
to sell for $10. They can make a magazine out of it at
an expense not greater than $65. Of course, the magazine
would be subject to the approval of the State. Mr. Sarano
said he did not like thc:idea of storing dynamite in a
safe. Mr. Paxton said that he would look into the matter
a little more. Air. Locke moved that if the State approved,
that the safe be purchased. Mr. Rowse seconded the mention
and it was so voted.
Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Beach was having difficulty
in getting Welfare workers to report to work. The men are
Welfare not reporting for work under the excuse that they are look -
workers ing for employment. He suggested that each able-bodied man
on Welfare be requested to work one day for each $3* he
receives. Mr. Rowse moved that all able-bodied welfare
recipients be required to perform one day's service for
each $3* received unless satisfactory excuse for absence
is given to the Welfare agent. Mr. Sarano seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Paxton said that he went down to Cambridge with
Mr. Sarano last week and looked at some generators for the
welding machine they are building. He believed that the
Flexal is the best machine and Frank Barry liked it also.
Both Mr. Ross and Mr. Barry feel that a 300 amp. machine
would be dequate. The price for this machine is $350o
and only 1100. was allowed for a generator. Paxton tried
to get prices from the Lincoln and Hobart peopl04, but
they had not come in yet. He requested approval to ask
the Cambridge concern to hold the 300 amp. machine. The
Board felt that as long as Paxton kept within the appro-
priation for the welding machine it would be all right
to purchase whatever generator he wanted. Mr. Paxton re-
tired at 9:53 P.M.
Dr. Victor N. Rochette and Mr. Morse appeared before
the Board to discuss the matter of reimbursement to the
Town Physician for services to persons receiving Old Age
Assistanceand Aid to Dependent Children.
A letter was received from Mr. Wrightington advising
that he could f ind no Statute demanding that the persons
Town in these catagories call whatever physician they pleased in
Physician time of illness. He sa14, however, that the State Board of
Public Welfare recommended that they be given the privilege of
choosing their own physician.
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Dr. Rochette said that he did not initiate,the move,
it was Dr. Walsh who did. The Chairman told Dr. Rochette
that the Selectmen made a practice of not changing any
compensation in the middle of the year. The Board felt
that the time changes should be considered was when budgets
were being discussed. He told Dr. Rochette that any
change in operation he had in mind he should take up with
Mr. Morse so that the matter could be considered when
budgets were made up. Dr. Rochette asked if there was any-
thing prohibiting his have a private practice and the
Chairman told him there was not. Dr. Rochette said tha
he would like to have Old Age and A.D.C. cases treated as
private patients, but the Chairman told him that that was
impossible under the circumstances. Dr. Rochette said
that other physicians received payment for services to
these people as private patients and he felt that he was
entitled to the same privileges. Dr. Rochette asked if any
change the Board saw fit to make would not go into effect
until next April, and the Chairman told him that that was
,6q He said that he would discuss the matter with Mr.
Morse, and he retired at 10;02 P.M.
Mr, horse discussed welfare matters, and retired at
1Os55 P.M.
. Mr. Potter moved that flowers be purehased for the
funeral to Mr. Edward J. Mara, he being an elected member
of the old Board of Mater and Sewer Commissioners, and that Flowers
the bill be charged to Unclassified. Mr. Rowse seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
It was decided to hold the next meeting on August 6th,
1940.
Letters were
35 Brandon Street
Street, offering
Road for the sum
individuals that
` one-half of each
of $50.
received from Dorothy C. Vadeboncoeur of
and from Sally Anderson of 33 Brandon
tourchase lots 106 and 107 on Norton Tax
of *100. It was decided to advise both title
the Board would be willing to sell lots
of the lots to each one fdr the sum
Mr. Sarano said that Mrs. Samuels offered to -buy lots
23, 24 and 25 and 26 off Ward Street, and would like to have Tax
the corners staked to that she could erect a fence. Mr, title
Potter moved that the Engineers be requested to stake out lots
the lots for Mrs. Samuels. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion
and it was so votedl
284
Letter was received from Mr. Morse advising that '
the State would be satisfied if,the $2500* estimated to
A.D.C. be needed for A.D.C. was simply ear marked so that it would
funds, be available when needed. The Clerk was instructed to
send a copy of the letter to the Appropriation Committee.
Application for an overhanging sign at 1732 Mass.
Ave. was received from games J. Waldron. This sign is
Waldron to be placed on a pole which will be erected on the
sign McCarthy property on the lawn in front of the house. The
Board felt that it would prefer to look the location over
before granting the permit.
Application for an overhanging sign was received from
Michael Grifone at 1776 Mass, Ave. Mr. Locke moved that
License the permit be granted. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and
it was so voted.
Application for permission to attach hires to a pole
on Lowell Street east of Woburn Street was receivdd from
Pole the Boston Edison Co.,, Mr. Locke moved that the permit be
location granted and the order signed. Mr. Rorie seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
A petition signed by nine residents of Sheridan '
Street for an estimate of the cost of eenstruction of the
Sheridan remaining 335 feet of that street was received. It was
Street decided to request the Supt. of Public Works to have
an estimate of the cost of construction, including better-
ment assessments, prepared.
The Chairman said that it had been brought to his
attention that both the Building and Plumbing Inspectors
Special should have Special Police commissions. Mr. Rowse moved
police that E.A. Lindstrom and C.E. Ferguson be appointed Special
officers to serve until March 31, 1941. Mr. Sarno seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from the Town Counsel, relative
to the tapping of the water pipe outside the meter on the
Chapman property on Maple Street. It was decided to have
the Chief of Police th at the next meeting to discuss the
matter.
Letter was received from the Town Counsel to which
was attached bill of $30, for examining the title of the
Cary lot on Clarke Street, Mr. Potter moved that the
bill be charged to the Law Department. Mr. Rowse seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Wrightington said it was in order for the Board '
to consider whether the care of this lot was under the
jurisdiction of the Park Dept* or the Cary Library
Trustees. It was the feeling of the Board that the care
of the lot should come under the jurisdiction of the Lib-
rary Trustees.
A bill of $38, for the folding gate in the Assessorst
Offies was received. The Chailmum reminded the Board the
the Assessors had included in their budget for 1940 a sum
of money covering this item but it was eliminated as the
AppropriaLtion Committee felt that it should be possible
to buy the gate odt of the appropriation for the Town
Offices. It was decided to pay the bill from the Town
Offices Appropriation and that if it was -necessary at the
end of the year to ask for a transfer for this aceeruh�,
to do so.
Bill for
gate.
Letter was received from the Chamber of Commerce stating
that due to numerous other projects, the Chamber was in
no position to assume responsibility of the Rehabilitation
Committee. It was decided to hold the matter over until
the next meeting.
Application for a slaughter license was received from
Michael Adamowiez and Adolph Pieculi at 76 Laconia Street, Slaughter
Lexington. Mr. Rowse moved that the application be denied, Ilea*
Inasmuch as neither person was known to the board. Mr. denied
Sarano seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
'Clerk