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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1941-03-24 571 I SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 24, 1941 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening, March 24, 1941 at 7 :30 P. M. Chairman Giroux, Messrs Rowse, Locke, and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7 :30 P.M. the Board of Survey hearing on the applica- tion of R. Lockwood, Tilliam A. , and Philip Tower for the ap- proval of a plan of Follen Road, Locust Avenue, Clematis Drive, Cedarwood Terrace, and Dawes Road was declared open. Mr. Everett M. Brooks, the engineer, Mr. W. S. Caouette, Mr. Francis Fay Miller, Mr. & Mrs . Frank Moore, Mr . Cosgrove, and Mr. Paxton were present at the hearing. The notice of the hearing was read by the Chairman. Mr. Brooks presented plans of the development. He said that some lots on Follen Road were included in this new layout Board of and the reason was that the size of the lots had been changed. Survey heap He said that he had had two meetings with the Planning Board ing on and through its suggestion, had made some minor changes . The Tower Dev. Towers own more land in the rear of the land on these plans , but because of a 25% to 35% grade, it is not to be developed II at the present time. The Chairman asked if there was anything on the layout that the Moores objected to and Mr. Moore replied in the negative. Mr. Caouette said that he would like the Board' s informal ap- proval of the entire layout. The Chairman asked if the Towers built at all and Mr. Caouette said they did not -- they merely sold land. Of 32 lots sold so far, only four have been built on for speculation. Mr. Miller said that Fallen Road, being a public street, they were not undertaking to do any construction of drains etc. there. The Chairman said that that was understood. Mr. Paxton asked how they plan to develop the circle at the end of Cedar- wood Road and Mr. Brooks said they did not want to develop it now. They merely wanted to leave it to be built upon later. Mr. Miller said the area near Marrett Road, beside the Moulton property, was subject to a restriction that it cannot be built upon until 1951. Mr. Caouette said that there was a possibility that this land might be planted and made ihto a park so as to make an at- tractive entrance to the development. Mr. Miller said that undoubtedly before long the Town would want to put catch basins in the four corners of Follen Road and Locust Avenue. He suggested that they construct the drain in Locust Avenue up to Follen Road with the understanding that the Town could construct its catch basins at the corner. Both Paxton and Cosgrove said they would approve of this. 572 0.1trasi Mr. Miller said that it might develop that due to the large volume of water coming down Locust Avenue, the Town would want a larger main than would normally be constructed. For instance, the Town might want an 18 inch drain and if so he thought the Town should bear the difference in cost between the 18 inch drain and the one they normally would be expected to build. He said the larger drain might be needed because of the water being put in to it by the Town. Mr. Paxton thought that the velocity would take care of the volume, but if a larger main should be needed he thought it logical for the Town to bear the difference in cost. The Chairman said that was something they would have to straighten out later. Mr. Caouette said that they would like to know now what was expected of them. Mr. Brooks said they were planning now to put in a 12 inch pipe. Mr. Miller said Lots 51A to 60A covered land which had been approved for development before the new Board of Survey regula- tions were adopted and the lots on Follen Road, shown on to- night's plan represented re-lotting of the land covered by these same lots. Mr. Miller said that he had had the agreement re- quired by the Town signed by the Towers and covered by the American Employers ' Insurance Company. He said that they had decided to proceed under the old By-law as they felt by the time the new By-law was approved by the Attorney General, they could have a great deal of selling and building done. The group retired, with the exception of Mr. Paxton and Mr. Cosgrove. Mr. Paxton read a letter from the Planning Board as follows : March 20 , 1941. To the Board of Survey, Lexington, Mass. Gentlemen: In considering the lay-out for the Follel Hill Esates, the Planning Board met with their representative on three different occasions and our chairman went over the ground be- fore the plans were approved. In arriving at our decisions the following points were considered: 1. That the proposed streets (those for future as well as immediate consideration) , tie in with present or proposed streets . They are satisfactory with the exception of the northerly termination of the westerly border road, and this street was intentionally left for future determination. It can, later, be brought into either Marrett Road or Follen Road as development may require. 573 2. The street terminating in an 8G foot turn-around was approved on the basis of the topography and to avoid another intersection in Follen Road, We hold no brief on the radius. 3. The three short dead-end streets were shown by the owner as private driveways . The Board liked the idea, but did not see how it could be approved under existing law, so suggested the public street lay-out, anticipating that only a driveway would be built, as the town's approval of the plot plan does not force the construction of these streets , or bind the town to accept them. 4. Three areas have been designated as "not to be developed at this time." One of the spaces is not suited to building pur- 1 poses and the other two provide open spaces for public uses if required later. This wording does not legally tie up the areas permanently, but it constitutes an agreement by the owners not to sell them as house lots unless and until the town agrees. One of these areas is so low that house drainage would be a serious problem. 5. All lots are of sufficient size to care for unit disposal of sewage. We are not certain of the subsoil in the lower areas, but the worst lots can be handled by the impor- tation of gravel for a disposal bed. This should be insisted upon, and the town inspector should formulate standards for house drainage which would insure results and relieve the town from later involvements. Yours very truly, /s/ W. R. Greeley Mr. Paxton read a letter from the Town Engineer as follows : March 24, 1941 Mr. Archibald R. Giroux Chairman, Board of Selectmen Lexington, Massachusetts Subject : Follen Hill Estates. Dear Mr. Giroux: A part of this subdivision, shown on plan dated March 20th, 1941, by Engineer Everett M. Brooks, has been checked and found satisfactory according to engineering and lotting requirements and may be extended for future improvements to ad- jacent undeveloped areas. Some additions and alterations were made to the pre- liminary plans showing storm water drainage. 574 "%I to To avoid a duplication of street names, Clematis Drive was changed to Buckman Drive. Instead of being abruptly cut off at its dead end, Cedarwood Terrace now has a turn around radius of 35 feet to facilitate snow removal. Those lots fronting on Follen Road may be served by a sanitary sewer constructed therein, if and when the sewer in Massachusetts Avenue is extended along Marrett Road to Pollen Road, a distance of approximately 1400 feet. All other lots in this subdivision will eventually be served by a sewer in the valley of Clematis Brook extended across Watertown Street to and along the valley of Brownts Brook to the relief sewer at East Lexington Station. Very truly yours, John T. Cosgrove JTC:CS s c/c: +VCP Town Engineer Mr. Paxton said that the water construction in the streets as laid out now would cost approximately 07500.00. The betterment assessments will amount to 01975.00. Mr. Locke moved that the plans be approved. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Subdivision of part of Follen Hill Estates, Lexington, Mass. owned by R. Lockwood Tower et al. , Scale 1 inch = 40 feet March 20, 1941, Everett M. Brooks, Civil Engineer, Newtonville, Mass . Plan and Profile of Part of Dawes Road and Cedarwood Ter. , Lexington, Mass. Scales : horizontal 1 inch = 40 feet, vertical 1 inch = 4 feet, Everett M. Brooks, Civil Engineer, Newtonville Mass. , March, 1941. Plan and Profile of part of Buckman Drive, Lexington, Mass. Scales : horizontal 1 inch = 40 feet, vertical 1 inch = 4 feet Everett M. Brooks, Civil Engineer, Newtonville, Mass . , March, 1941. Plan and Profile of part of Locust Avenue, Lexington, Mass. Scales : horizontal 1 inch = 40 feet, vertical 1 inch = 4 feet Everett M. Brooks, Civil Engineer, Newtonville, Mass. , Mareh,1941. At 8:15 P. M. Mr. E. J. Lindstrom, Plumbing Inspector, appeared before the Board. He stated that a Mr. Roberts was building a house at the corner of Melrose and Albemarle Avenues and he refused to issue a permit for the construction of a cess- pool. 1 575 There is ledge on one side of the house and the only other place the cesspool can be built is in a ten foot right of way. This right of way belongs to the developer of the land. Roberts ' The Chairman asked where the cesspool should go and Mr. cesspool Lindstrom said the only place he could think of was in the right of way. This would be satisfactory provided a retaining wall was put in. The Chairman read the Board of Health regula- tions regarding the location of cesspools. The Chairman told Mr. Lindstrom to discuss the matter with the Town Engineer and to decide where the best location was and to let the Board know. Mr. Lindstrom agreed to do this and retired at 8:20 P. M. A letter was received from the Town Accountant advising that he had received a pay roll carrying William A. Mulvey, previously rated as a lieutenant, now carried as a captain. He said he had received notice from Chief Taylor that this change became effective March 14, 1941. Mr. Russell said Lt. Mulvey the additional compensation for Mr. Mulvey was not provided promoted to for in the 1941 budget under the heading of captains, but Captain he thoughtthere might be sufficient saving in the item for call men to absorb the additional money for Mr. Mulvey. At 8:21 P.M. Chief Taylor appeared before the Board. He said he wanted to make a report on the progress of the East Lexington Fire Station. He said that he had al- lotted $750.00 for repairs there. Be said that the water had got to the boards under the clapboards and it was necessary to replace them. Also, it has been necessary to repair the trim. They have spent $474.15 to date, of which Repairs to $287.00 was for labor, and the rest tas for material. The E. Lex. Fire Chairman asked Chief Taylor if he would have enough money Station provided the budget was approved at the Town Meeting and the Chief replied in the affirmative. The Chief said he had looked at the cupola and found that it was in very poor condition. He wondered if it would be better to tear it down and fill in the exposed roof or re- pair it. Mr. Rowse asked if it was of any value and the Chief said it was not. The Board thought it would be best to tear down the cupola. The Chief said the bottom part cf the doors were decayed and if he sawed them in half and replaced only the bottom half, the cost would be about $50.00. The roll-up type doors would cost $96.00. He thought that under the circumstances he would merely replace the lower half of the doors. The Chairman suggested that the Chief put the building in as good condition as possible with the money available. The Chief said that to give the building two coats of paint, the cost would be $"365 .00. He said one coat would do no good. The question was whether to give it two or three. 57601/41 He thought the best color would be grey as it would not show the dirt and the building would not need painting as often as if it was painted white. The Chairman asked him to send in his recommendation on the painting of the building. The Chairman asked Chief Taylor if he intended to get the additional money for Captain Mulvey from the amount allotted Capt. for Call Men and the Chief said he thought that it would not Mulvey be possible to appoint the new man by May 1st and therefore Fire Dept. there will be enough money in the appropriation. Mr. Rowse requested the Chief to make his promotions in the future at a time when it would be possible to include the increases in the annual budget. Chief Taylor told the Board that he was opposed to having Civil Serv. the Call Men placed under Civil Service as he thought it would Fire Dept. cause a great deal of trouble. Call Men Chief Taylor retired at 8 :35 P.M. Messrs . Beach and Paxton appeared at 8:37 P.M. Mr. Rowse said that he acted as temporary chairman last week and the Board was concerned with the amount of liquor being purchased by W.P.A. workers. He said this had caused a great deal of comment and he wondered if anything could be done about it. Mr. Beach said that they did not have as many Liquor W.P.A. men that drank as they used to have. Mr. Rowse asked purchased if he had any control over the men drinking. Mr. Beach said by W.P.A. he could close down the job and have the men suspended if they workers have been drinking on the job. Mr. Rowse said that it bothered people that persons who were on W.P.A. , which is practically welfare, were spending their money on liquor. Mr. Beach said he had no control over the men after working hours. Mr. Rowse said he did not believe men were entitled to W.P.A. work if they were spending their money for liquor. Mr. Beach said that if the men themselves could not purchase it, they could always get somebody else to purchase it for them. Mr. Beach said he was in hopes that the Stamp Plan would help this situation but only six W.P.A. workers have purchased stamps . Mr. Rowse asked if it was possible to eliminate some of those men who did not need the work and who were spending their money on liquor and the Chairman said he understood that the Town could not recommend who was to be laid off. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Beach talk with one of the Federal men informally and ask if there was anything that could be done about men who were drinking on the job. Mr. Rowse said that some children who were financially able to carry their lunches from home, but rode on the buses, were given the privilege of buying a lunch for five cents, but some who were not very well off and walked back and forth to school School would not qualify for the lunch program. Mr. Beach lunches said he had nothing to do with the children who were receiving their lunches under the lunch program. 577 He said the principal of the school picked out the children. Mr. Rowse wondered if the school lunches should not be restricted to those who needed them. He thought the program should be on a basis of undernourishment. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Beach discuss the matter withh schools e sc ools and see if they any complaints. Mr. Beach p said he had talked with Miss Keefe, principal of the Franklin School, today and she said everything was going along fine. Mr. Beach retired at 9 :05 P.M. Mr. Paxton said the Lexington Community Chest Committee requested the use of a conference room on March 25th. Mr. Use of Hall Locke moved that the use of the room be granted free of charge. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said last week he requested bids on tires from ten different companies . One of the paragraphs read that the company was to allow the Town the same price on tires for six months but was to store them so that the Town could get them when they were needed. Mr. Paxton said he Tire bids had included that paragraph because of a conference which he had with Mr. George Sheldon. However, it caused a mis under- standing among the small tire dealers in the Town. Only five bids were received. Of course it meant that the small dealer would have to purchase the tires all at once and receive their money when the tires were purchased. Mr. Dom F. Ross was not interested in the business on this basis . F . K. Johnson was not interested and the Sullivan Automotive Corp. thought it was a good idea. The General Tire Company was the low bidder with srice of $650.00 and Calvin Childs was high, with his bid of 61171.00. The Board suggested that Mr. Paxton ask for new bids and eliminate the phrase with reference to holding the tires. Mr. Rowse thought there was no reason why we should not buy them all at once as the money will be available and we know what sizes we will need. Mr. Paxton reported that the Viano Realty Co. and Mr. William Hunt had requested new sidewalks in front of their property. Mr. Hunt says that the storekeepers claim that Sidewalk they are losing business on account of the pitch of the side- complaint walk. The Town Engineer is looking into the matter to see what can be done to remedy this . The Board discussed the salary of the Town mechanic. The Chairman said he thought it was a practical problem now. He said there was no question but that a good mechanic can get a good job now and Mr. Barry know that, but no doubt he believes that a Town job is best in the long run. He thought Salary of it might be best to give him a raise now as he thought Mr. Town Mech. Barry was entitled to it anyway. 578 r" td Cl He said that even though the budget was made up, he would not hesitate to explain the matter at the Town Meeting. Mr. Rowse thought it would be best to wait until all the salaries were considered. Mr. Paxton said this was not a "hold up" as it was asked for in the budget originally. Mr. Sarano said that the man was hired as an automobile mechanic but that he did more than that. He said that Barry was promised a raise of $5.00 when he came here and Mr. Rowse asked who made that promise. Mr. Sarano said he did not know. The Chairman said whoever made it had no right to do so. Mr. Locke said that what bothered him was the question of how many others were on the same basis; that is , who might be en- titled to the increase who did not complain and for whom nothing had been done. The Chairman said that with he and Mr. Sarano for the increase and Mr. Rowse and Mr. Locke against it, the Board was deadlocked and no action could be taken. Mr. Paxton discussed wage rate increases. He said that he had figured certain increased in the budget and he asked if it would be all right to put them in effect April 1st. There are approximately 17 men they would like to raise 5i/ per hour for various reasons. Only one man, Charles Brenton, is on a weekly basis and Mr. Garrity would like to increase him from $30.00 to $32.00 per week beginning April 1st. Mr. Brenton works for the Park Department and he has to put in a great deal of extra time evenings and Sundays. These increases are in keeping with the policy adopted last year. Mr. Rowse asked how this would affect the minimum weekly pay. Mr. Paxton said that 50% of the Public Works employees receive over $25.00 per week and 50% under that amount. Mr. Rowse asked if these increased would level off the inequalities and Mr. Paxton said it would not affect all the men in the Public Works Department -- it affects approximately only 1/3 of them. Only four of the men on this year's list were increased last year. The Chairman said that the maximum was set up last year to encourage the men to learn how to take care of the work properly and to do a good job. It was decided to hold the matter over until the April 14th meeting. The Chairman said that Mr. Leigh Farnham was in a very serious physical condition. Mr. Farnham was employed part time on the W.P.A. and part time by the Town. He earned $10.50 per week from the Engineering Department. He suggested that Mr. Farnham be continued at 010.00 per week and that he Leigh be paid $14.50 per week from the Bride Fund for one month Farnham to see how the man gets along. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Farnham be paid $10.00 per week from the Engineering Department and that the Trustees of Public Trusts be requested to transfer $14.50 from the Bridge Fund, both amounts to be allowed for one month. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 579 Mr. Rowse brought up the question of the coal contract with the Lexington Coal Company. He said that the Lexington Coal Coal Company contracted to deliver run-of-mine coal, the price of prices which has not changed, although the company raised the price. He thought that the company should refund to the `Lown the over- age that it had charged. Mr. Paxton thought that from 80 to 85 tons yree involved. Mr. Sarano agreed that the money should be refunded to the Town and Mr. Paxton was requested to talk with the Coal Co . and tell them how the Board felt on the matter. Mr. Paxton said that fire insurance policy in the sum of $11,700.00 expires on April 25th through the office of Hubert Broderic. Fire Ins. Mr. Rowse moved that the policy be renewed through the policy same office, Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton retired at 9 :55 P.M. Mr. Rowse moved that the following appointments be made for a period of one year from April 1, 1941 to March 31, 1942. Appointments Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Board of Appeals Member Howard W. Robbins '46 Board of Appeals (associate member) J. Milton Brown 1 yr. II Board of Health, Agents Winthrop Bowker " "Eleanor M. Lowe Dr. William Corwin (Met. State Hosp. ) 1 Building Inspector, Acting Gordon D. Richards fl tt Permanent Charles E. Ferguson Burial Agents Alice F. McCarthy Ralph H. Marshall Clerk, Selectmen Eleanor M . Lowe Constabled (Under Ch.41,Sec.91A) Charles E. Moloy Dental Clinic Committee Mrs . Irving W. Yelland " Frank Hudson Thomas S. Grindle Dog Officer John A. Russell Fence Viewers J . Bruce Lewis ( In place of B.J.Harrington) A. A. Miller Field Drivers Edward C. Maguire John C. Russell Fire Engineers Edw. W. Taylor (From 5/1 ) Norman C. Hooper Edward F. Buttrick Forest Warden(Appointed 1/6/41) Edward W. Tay)or Gammel Legacy Income, Trustees Mrs. Kenneth P. Blake (Acting with Dept.of Public Welfare) George V. Morse Health Inspector John Lamont II He1lth Officer Lockup Keeper Dr. Victor N. Rochette James J. Sullivan I 580 C'°" ac cc Cl Measurers of Wood,Bark, & Manure Jacob Bierenbroodspot Harold I . Wellington Milk Inspector John Lamont Moth Dept. Superintendent John J . Garrity (Appointed 3/10/41) Odorless Cart, Charge of Peter Canessa Old Age Assistance Bureau E1'rbl H. LoiLL„ George W. Sasamo Luther h. Putney Old Age Assistance Bureau, Agent George V. Morse Park Superintendent John J. Garrity Plumbing Inspector Ernest A. Lindstrom (This appointment is made by the Building Inspector, and included here merely as a matter of records) Posture Clinic Committee Mrs. Steele Lindsay Mrs. Robert Moore Mrs . Edith M. Kelley Miss Margaret Kettell Miss Margaret Noyes Public Weighers William E. Mulliken Jacob Bierenbroodspot Harold I . Wellington Albert Bieren John P. Coombs Public Welfare Agent George V. Morse IIAgent of the Selectmen to Administer Soldiers Relief, Military & State Aid George V. Morse Registrat of Voters Leon H. Truesdell (3 yrs . ) Slaughter Inspector George Whiting Supt. of Streets William C. Paxton Supt. of Streets , Assistant John F . O'Connor Supt. of Water & Sewer Dept. Joseph A. Ross Town Counsel Sydney R. Wrightington Town Engineer John T . Cosgrove Town Physician Dr. Victor N. Rochette Wire Inspector Louis W. Bills SPECIAL POLICE Alan G. Adams Charles A. Manley Ralph H. Marshall Jacob Haid. Arthur J. Rocque Charles M. Blake Edward J. Hogan John Fopiano George A. Knight Leonard Jellis Frank Peters Edward W. Taylor Ervin S. Castner Charles E. Moloy Robert E. Hannaford John L. Murray Alex Ohlson Edward F. Meany John J. Garrity John W. Alexander John Campbell Roland E. Garmon II 581 Charles Brenton Charles A. Tracy Ralph I. Dale Arthur N. Lee C. Edward Glynn George E. Pray Archibald R. Giroux Clyde Witham William G. Potter Benjamin L. Higgins Special AG Edward Rowse Charles E. Ferguson Police Errol H. Locke Enjhard A. Lindstron George W. Sarano Michael E. McDonnell Malcolm H. Clifford Caywood Greening William E. Maloney Arthur R. Linfield James P. Mowat M. Lawrence Allen Carl B. Jones Maurice E. Woodward Arthur N. Lee roarren Pierce Hugo N. Nylander Horace G. Dearborn Civilian James J. Waldron David McPeake Defense Jermone W. Carmichael H. Raymond Durling Melville W. Webb George V. Ryan Victor N. Rochette, M.D. Lawrence Husted John E. Barret Clesson C. Schofield John Melquist John A. Sellars J. Chester Hutchinson Charles H. Miles I Mr. Locke moved that the following license be granted. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mike & Christy Hallos Overhanging sign Edgar J. Thivierge IF If Chin Lee n " Licenses William Viano " " Granted F. K. Johnson, Inc. " " Boston Edison Co. " " Berman' s Market, Inc. n n Calvin W. Childs " n Theatre Pharmacy " " David A. Rix Common Victualler's John Kenealy Sunday Sales David Buttrick If fl Frederick B. Hubley Auctioneer' s Arthur H. McLearn It Wilma A. Brown Physiotherapy John A. Sellars Dairy, Inc . Past. of Milk Fair Oaks Dairy, Inc. n I' n Lawrence Farm n If II Lowland Dairy Farm If n " Mr. Morse appeared at 9 :55 P.M. and retired at 10 ;10 P.M. II 582 ^� Cl Mr. Paxton returned to the meeting and said that the residents of Grant Street have requested the use of the grader. Use of He recommended that they be allowed to use it at a minimum grader charge of $10.00 with the privilege of using it twice more at no charge. Mr. Sarano moved that the request be granted. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from the Theatre Pharmacy Inc. Vaccine requesting that the vaccine for the Rabies Clinic be pur- for Rabies chased through them. It was decided to request Dr. Blakely Clinic to obtain bids from the drug stores in the future. A letter was received from the Newton Sanitation Com- Request pany requesting permission to clean out the cesspool at 26 to clean Cary Avenue. cesspool Mr. Rowse moved that the application be denied. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter to the State Department of Public Works requesting that the lines of the proposed Re: Routs Route 128 be laid down so that the townspeople might know 128 exactly where the road was going. The letter was suggested by Mr. T . A. Custance. The Board had no objection to the Chairman sending the letter. An application for a Third Class Agent ' s license was re- 3rd Class ceived from Frank Canessa of 15 herald Street. Ho action Agt' s lic, was taken on the matter because of the fact that the Board denied. has no right to grant a license to maintain a business in a residential zone. Water liens for the month of March were signed. The Chairman said that he thought the Board was some- what remiss in agreeing with the Boston and Maine Railroad to keep the driveways to the depot it Lexington Center open Driveways for highway and sidewalk purposes forever. He thought that at B & M some arrangement should be made so that if the Railroad is railroad abandoned and the station is torn down, the driveways might be used for whatever purpose the Town desired. Mr. Locke said that the Railroad wanted the right of the way to the depot. Mr. Rowie said he had talked with Mr. Chapman, the Boston and Maine real estate agent, who said that they wanted access to the property always. No action was taken on the matter. 1 5E3 I The Chairman asked the Board if it had any objection if the committee, to be appointed at the Town Meeting to study Divil Service for the Fire Department, was given the authority to study the question for all Town departments. The Board saw no harm in this. The meeting adjourned at 11:10 P. M. A true record, Attest: _____,e, ,;)-ir,/`-`' -'7 Clerk