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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1942-05-04• is SELECTMEN'S MEETING May 42 1942. 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, Locke, and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, appeared before the Board and stated that it was necessary to draw a juror to serve on criminal business at Cambridge, First Session, beginning June 1, 1942. Mr. Arthur Pierce, 6 Juror Dexter Road, chauffeur, was the juror drawn. Mr. Carroll retired. At 7:31 P.M. hearing was declared open upon peti- tion of Giles Smith, representing the Trustees of the Simonds Farm, for approval of the Board of Survey of proposed new roads and lots on the Homestead Property, located on Grove Street, Lexington. Mr. Giles Smith, Mr. W. S. Caouette, Mr. Paxton, Mr. Edward W. Kimball, Mr. E. B. Worthen, Jr., Mr. Feed Newhall, Mr. W. Roger Greeley, Mr. Donald Nickerson, and Mr. and Mrs. Royal D. Chandler of 101 Grove Street were present at the hearing. The notice of the hearing was read by Chairman Giroux. Mr. Smith said that after they began work, their attention was called by the Planning Board to the importance of finding out where Route 128 would go. They asked the State for the location, and had to wait several days, as the engineers were making surveys of the site. Mr. Smith was told that the State officials did not wantto be committed too definitely, and that it might be a matter of five to ten years before the road went through. The question of straightening out Grove Street arose, and he asked the Planning Board what it had in mind. After talking with them, he had a new plan made in which the changes were incorporated. This plan was presented to the Board. It showed Route 128 with a width of 200'. He said the Trustees wanted to keep the pond, and they planned the layout with the contour of the ground in mind. They planned on about twenty houses at the present time. The Chairman asked if Route 128 would go through the Simonds Estate, and Mr. Smith replied in the affirm- ative. The Chairman said that if the plan was approved, It would be subject to changes made necessary on account of the layout of Route 128. Simonds Board of Survey hearing Mr. Greeley said that the Planning Board went over the subdivision of twenty odd lots with Mr. Smith and approved it, but since then the location of Route 128 has been made more definite. He said that the Planning Board as a Board had not approved of the area where the highway is now proposed. The Chairman said that the Selectmen told Mr. Cos- grove that he would be held responsible for all rules and regulations of the Subdivision Regulations being com- plied with. He asked if that had been done in this case. Mr. Paxton said that his talk with Mr. Cosgrove had been general, because the plan was very vague. He thought that the Board should be very careful in accepting any Board of Survey layout in this location in view 'of the proposed location of Route 128. This is the first start in this area, and Paxton thought that the Engineers should have the opportunity 6f studying the entire section. He said that there were two roads coming in with a cul-de-sac and he thought the topo plans should be studied to see how these roads should be continued in the future. Mr. Rowse asked if the Trustees planned the imme- diate development of this section, and Mr. Caouette said that the Trustees wanted to start the development right away. They want to have houses for sale as soon as possible. They intend to build the $6,000.00 defense houses. Mr. Smith explained the type houses they intend to • build. He said that the limit was $6,000.00 including the land, but the houses can be built without garages and porches, etc., and these can be paid for afterward as extras. He said that Temple & Crane, Inc. of Boston were very much interested in the project. Mr. Greeley consulted with the members of the Planning Board, and stated that the"Planning Board was ready to recommend the approval of the subdivision from Grove Street northerly to the brook leading out of the pond, and tasterly,to the property line of the Simonds Estate. Mr. Greeley said that he understood that Mr. Smith wanted a general approval of the layout so that he could go ahead and have the proper plans made up which will meet the Subdivision Regulations require- ments. Mr. Smith said that the Trustees would like to have the Town take over the pond, and Mr. Rowse said that they.would have to offer the pond to the Town, and it would have to go before a Town meeting. Mr. Paxton said that the Federal Government would not allow the Town to make water extensions for a dis- tance of over 2001, including the service. Mr. Smith said he thought they could get a priority rating because the development is in the Defense Area. The Chairman asked the Chandlers if they had any objection to the layout, and Mr. Chandler said the only thought he had was in regard to an overpass for Grove Street, and Route 128. The Chairman said that that would be up to the State of Massachusetts. Mr. Rowse said he believed they would not put in an over- pass with the present amount of traffic on Grove Street. Mr. Chandler said he had no real objection to the layout. No other persons desiring to be heard, the hearing was declared closed at 8:10 P.M. Mr. Smith and Mr. Caouette returned to the meeting at 8:15 P.M., and there was a general discussion on the subject. The Chairman told Mr. Smith that the Board of Sur- vey would like to have a final plan submitted. He said that one thing which disturbed the Board was the question of the streets coming out on the adjoining property. He said that the Board was asking the Planning Board to con- sider the two streets in relation to the development of the adjoining property and outlets. Messrs. Smith and Caouette retired at 8:30 P.M. Mr. Walter Sands of 101 Merriam Street appeared before the Board. He said that a contractor was stripping loam in Burlington just over the Lexington line, and heavy trucks were travelling at a high rate of speed down Merriam Street, and the residents felt that the lives of their children were being endangered. The Chairman asked what he suggested doing, and he said that the only thing he could suggest was that the trucks be slowed up. Mr. Potter said that the Board could re- quest the Police Department to stop the speeding. Mr. Sands retired at 8:33 P.M. The Clerk was requested to request Chief Sullivan to have the speeding of trucks on Merriam Street stopped. Mr. Paxton said that he had contacted.the Middlesex and Boston Street Railway Co. relative to the removal of the steel tracks, and they are not interested for the reason that the amount of money they would receive as junk would not compensate them. He said that he was checking to see if the original charter that the Town had with the Middlesex and Boston said anything about the removal of the rails if they were no longer needed. Mr. Paxton reported that the Oak Street sewer job had twenty men working on it, one a regular Highway De- partment man, five out of town W.P.A. men, and fourteen regular W.P.A. men. About 78% of the project has been completed. The W.P.A. has loo more work to do, and the Town has about 12% more to do. It will take between three and five weeks to complete the Ames Avenue sewer • ;499 Speeding, Merriam St. Removal of M & B rails W.P.A. Sewer East Lexington from the existing end of the main to Baker Avenue, a ! distance of 2501. Mr. Beach and he agree that when this section has been put in, the project should be closed down. Mr. Paxton said that he would report again on the matter. Mr. Paxton read a letter from Mr. Garrity relative to the fence between Belfry Park and the White property at 11 Belfry Terrace. Mr. Garrity said that the fence Fence, needed repairing, and that the trees on Belfry Hill Belfry needed trimming, and he planned to do the latter in the Park near future. Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Garrity be in- structed to repair the fence, and that Mrs. White be informed that the matter of the erection of a cyclone fence would be considered after the war when materials are available. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton read a letter which he received from ' Mr. Franklin M. Dyer of 22 North'Hancock Street rela- Dyer tive to the drainage in Gleason Road. Mr. Dyer said drainage that for the past eight years every spring the entrance complaine to his garage has been under water from three to seven days, and he has been unable to get his car out. Mr. Dyer said he realized that this part of Gleason Road was unaccepted, but he wondered if something could be done by the Town to remedy the situation. Mr. Paxton said that he had gone up to Mr. Dyer's and, much as he would like to help him out, he did not see how he could. The Chairman asked if there was any health question involved, and Mr. Paxton replied in the nega- tive. No action was taken on the matter. The Chairman said that the Board of Fire Engineers would like to have an office. The quarters in the Fire Office for Department buildings are crowded, and they would like Fire an office in some other building. The Chairman and Mr. Engineers Emery looked at the Barnes property this morning, and the Chairman and Mr. Paxton went down there this after- noon, and decided that the doctor's old office was the best place for them. This is agreeable to the Fire Engineers. Mr. Paxton said that the office would have to be cleaned up. The Chairman said that a table and some chairs were needed. Mr. Paxton said that there was a table in the Highway office which could be used, but it would be necessary to buy chairs. The Chairs Mr. Emery wants cost $8.50 each, or a total of $68.00 for eight chairs. Mr. Rowse moved that the chairs be purchased and charged to the Town Offices and Cary Memorial Building Expenses Account. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr.. Paxton said that the account might run short 0 at the end of the year. Mr. Giroux asked the Board's permission to inform the Appropriation Committee that this expense of x;70.00, plus about $30.00 for the tem- porary War Memorial, was being charged to the Town Offices and Cary Memorial Building Expenses Account, and that it might be necessary to ask for a transfer from the Reserve Fund at the end of the year. The rest of the Board thought that the Chairman should so inform the Appropriation. Committee. Mr. Paxton retired at 9:08 P.M. Mr. John Lamont, Health Inspector, appeared before the Board at 9:10 P.M. The Chairman asked him what he had done toward eliminating the fly nuisance on Concord Hill. Mr. Lamont said that he talked with Dr. Lord of Bedford and Dr. Lord's idea was to wait until Mr. Wales of the State Department could come out again and go over the situation again with him. Dr. DeNormandie's idea is to draw up a,set of regulations to be adopted by Bedford and Lincoln as well as Lexington. Mr. Wales plans to come out some time in May. Mr. Lamoitttsaid that Mr. Sullivan had cleaned up his brook. The Chairman requested Mr. Lamont to follow the situation closely, and he said that he would. He retired,at 9:15 P.M. Mr. Morse appeared at 9:15 P.M. to discuss welfare matters, and retired at 9:28 P.M. Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Locke, It was voted to grant the following licenses: Minute Man Golf C1ub,Inc. 177 Concord Ave. Common Vic. Jack's Spa 856 Mass. Ave. Sunday Sales Swenson Bros. 29 Allen St. 100 swine John Sullivan 2407 Mass. Ave. 75 swine. Letter was received from the Town Treasurer re- commending a borrowing of $100,000.00 in anticipation of revenue. Mr. Rowse moved that the Selectmen re- uest the Treasurer to take bids on a loan of 100,000.00 in anticipation of revenue, the bids to be received at 7:32 P.M. on Monday, May 11, 1942, and the notesto be dated May 12, 1942, and payable May 7, 1943. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Clerk reported that a letter had been received from D. J. O'Connell requesting the nature of the com- plaint on the condition of the home of Mrs. Alice A. Frost of 56 Allen Street whichexulted in Mrs. Frost's being refused a permit to main/W"�6arding home for infants. As a result of this letter, Dr. Rochette - was again requested to visit the Allen home. He visited the premises on May 20 1942, and reported that Flies, Concord Hill Loan in anticipation. Frost, boarding home that the physical appointments of the house has been greatly improved by the cleaning up of all the rooms, et. He thought that the house was now in proper order to be used as a boarding home for infants. Mr. Locke moved that the Board now approve the ap- plication and sign the same. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A bill of $43.45 for rerints of the Town Account- ant's Report, and a bill of 12.10 for reprints of the Reprints School Department report, were received. The Clerk in - Town Rep. formed the Board that this amount of $55.55 was not in- cluded in the bill for which an appropriation had been made at the Annual Meeting, and said that there were no funds with which to pay these bills. Mr. Potter moved that the Approriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of 155.55 from the Re- serve Fund to pay these bills. Mr. Sarano seconded.the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Town Counsel informing the Board that the Building Inspector had brought to Scurto his attention a building and zoning violation by Mrs. building Rose Scurto. He asked if the Board wished him to take violation legal action against her. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Wrightington be requested to tkke legal action against . Mrs. Scurto. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Town Counsel to which was attached a letter from Richard S. McCabe, attorney for Joseph A. Ross. Mr. McCabe said that Mr. Ross J. A. Ross realized he was liable to the town for the value of the halve and lead used by him in Bedford, but does not feel that the town has a valid claim to the item for labor, as the work was not done on time for *hhich the Town was paying. Mr. irightington said that it was his opinion that it would be cheaper to dispose of the claim by payment for the valve and the lead, provided a cash payment in full was made. The Selectmen discussed the matter at some length, and instructed the Clerk to inform Mr. Wrightington that it was the desire of the Board that he proceed to collect the full amount of the bill. At 9:50 P.M. Mr. Allen W. Rucker, Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, appeared before the Board. He said that he received a special delivery letter to- day stating that the street lights in town would have to be shaded so that there would be no upper reflection. All Neon signs have to be turned off for the duration 0 • r� .7 of the war. Mr. Rucker requested that the Police Depart- ment be told by the Board to carry out the instructions that Mr. Rucker will send them. The Chairman said that the police would be requested to follow but the instruc- tions. The Chairman said that the Board would instruct Mr. Paxton to drop everything tomorrow and to consult with the Department of Public Utilities, the Boston Edison Company, and surrounding towns to find out just what was to be done. Mr. Rucker retired at 10:02 P.M. The Amendment to the Traffic Regulations which Mr. Paxton explained to the Board last week was signed, as follows: AMENDMENTS TO THE TRAFFIC RULES AND ORDERS, TOWN OF LEXINGTON, ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, MAY 4, 1942. ARTICLE 1. By adding to this article the two following para- graphs: (w) "Official Curb Markings." That portion of a curbing, the painting of which has been authorized by the Superintendent of Public Works, and has the written approval of the Department of Public Works, Commonwealth of Massachusttts. (X) "Official Street Marking". Any painted line, legend or marking of any description painted or placed upon any way which purports to direct or regulate traffic and which has been authorized by the Superintendent of Public Works and has the written approval of the Department of Public Works, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. ARTICLE 111 By striking out in said section the figures 7, 8, 9, and 10 and by substituting therefor the numbers 1, 21 3 and 4. By striking our the phrase "Sections 11 and 14 to 18 inclusive relating to parking and Section 30 concern- ing turning" and by substituting therefor the phrase "Sections 2 -and 3 of Article 11 and sections 2 to 6 inclusive of Article V relating to parking and Section 8 of Article V111 concerning turning." By adding at the end of this Article the following: Section 5. Obedience to Traffic Signs and Signals. No driver of any vehicle shall disobey the instructions of any official traffic control sign, signal, marking or legend unless otherwise directed by a police officer. 50 Street lights By striking out the figures 20 and 21 of this article and by substituting therefor the numbers 1 and 2. By 'striking out the vote of August 4, 1941 rela- tive to the prohibition of heavy trucking on Forest Street and Hancock Street. ARTICLE V11 By striking out the figure 22 and by substituting therefor the number 1. ARTICLE Vill By striking out the figures 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 330 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 in this article and by substituting therefor the numbers 1, 29 3, 49 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 142 15, 16 and 17. By also adding the following to this same article: 6A ARTICLE 1V. By striking out the figures 11 and 12 of this article and by substituting therefor the numbers 1 and 2. ARTICLE V. By striking out the figures 13, 149 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 in this article and by substituting there- for the numbers 1, 21W 3, 49 5; 6, and 7, and By adding to Section 2 the following: Woburn Street. On the northerly side from the railroad crossing six hundred and fifty feet (6501) easterly, and By adding the following section: Section 8. NO ALL NIGHT PARKING. It shall be unlaw- ful for the driver of any vehicle, other than one act- ing in an emergency, to park said vehicle on any street for a period of time longer than one (1) hour between the hours of 2:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. of any day. By changing the figures 14 and 17 of the rules passed on March 31, 1936 to read 2 and 5. By changing the figurer 18 of the rules passed on December 22, 1936 to read 6. By changing the figure 17 in paragraphs one and two of the rules adopted under date of January 16, 1939 and by substituting therefor in both instances the number 5. _ By changing the figure 14 of the rules adopted August 19, 1940 to read 2. ARTICLE V1 By striking out the figures 20 and 21 of this article and by substituting therefor the numbers 1 and 2. By 'striking out the vote of August 4, 1941 rela- tive to the prohibition of heavy trucking on Forest Street and Hancock Street. ARTICLE V11 By striking out the figure 22 and by substituting therefor the number 1. ARTICLE Vill By striking out the figures 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 330 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 in this article and by substituting therefor the numbers 1, 29 3, 49 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 142 15, 16 and 17. By also adding the following to this same article: 6A Section 18. EXCLUSION OF HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES. No vehicle used or designed for the transportation of goods, wares, or merchandise shall enter or pass over any of the following streets or parts of streets; provided, however, that this restriction shall not apply to - (1) Emergency vehicles, namely, vehicles of the fire and police departments, ambulances, emergency vehicles of federal, state and municipal department's and emergency vehicles of public service corporations when responding to an emergency; (2) Vehicles for the collection or delivery of goods, wares or merchandise from or to premises on said streets or parts of streets or on connecting streets not other- wise accessible; (3) Vehicles used in connection with the construction, reconstruction or repair of said streets, the water supply system, the sewers or drains, or the lines, pipes or conduits of any telephone, telegraph, gas or electric company therein; and (4) Any horse-drawn vehicle or any motor vehicle equipped with pneumatic tires which with its load, if any, weighs less than four tons and has no trailer attached. Forest St. from Massachusetts Ave. to Waltham St. Hancock St. from Adams St. to Bedford St. ARTICLE 1X By striking out the figures 40, 41, 42 and 43 of this article and by substituting therefor the numbers). 1, 2, 3 and 4. Archibald R. Giroux Board William G. Potter Errol H. Locke of ,A. Edward Rowse Adopted May 4, 1942 George W. Sarano Selectmen A true Copy, Attest: Eleanor M. Lowe Jerk, Selectmen May 7, 1942 Then personally appeared the above named Eleanor M. Lowe, and acknowledged the foregoing to be her free act and deed, before me, Wm. S. Scamman Notary Public My commission expires April 9, 1948 0 5( The deed for sale of lots 32 and 33, Shade Street to Sally M. Anderson was received from Mr. Wrightington. Lots on Mr. Sarano moved that the lots be sold and conveyed to Shade St. Mrs. Anderson, and the deed signed. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from the United States Flag Association requesting that the Selectmen pro6laim June Flag 8-14 as Flag Week. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Week Melville W. Webb, Chairman of the Lexington Allied Veterans Council, be appointed chairman. Mr. Potter moved that the Chairman's suggestion be approved. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board then signed the following Proclamation: To the Citizens of Lexington, Greetings: Whereas, our Country is engaged in mortal combat with the murderous enemies of Democracy who seek to annihilate the freedoms symbolized by the Flag of the United States, and the citizens of Lexington in common with patriotic Americans everywhere, are determined to preserve our American way of life, and to that end are fighting, sacrificing, and laboring in distant lands and here at home, and WHEREAS, the period of June 8-14 has been designated as Flag Week',by"th6- United States Flag Association, during which patriotic exercises will be conducted by loyal Americans throughout the land to emphasize our National Unity and determined effort in the cause of those liberties of which our Flag is the glorious and inspiring symbol, NOW, THEREFORE, The Board of Selectmen of Lexington do proclaim June 8-14 as Flag Week and direct that during this period the Flag of the United States be displayed on all municipal buildings. Further- more, we do urge the people of Lexington to display the Start and Stripes at our homes and places of business, and'to hold patriotic ceremonies as a public expression of our love of Country, unity, and allegiance to our National Emblem, the symbol of our civic faith and the beacon of hope to liberty - loving people throughout the world. IN WITNESS WHEREOF we have hereunto set our hands and caused the seal of the Town of Lexington to be af- fixed this fourth day of May in the year of our Lord Nineteen Hundred and Forty-two. Archibald R. Giroux Selectmen William G. Potter Errol H. Locke of A. Edward Rowse George W. Sarano Lexington • • • • • Letter was received from the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Welfare relative to the Tyler Home at 31 Maple Street. The writer visited the home and re- ported that Mrs. Tyler was not violating Chapter 121, section 22A of the General Laws, or the lodging house law. The Department filed the complaint. Letter was received from Forest Warden Edward W. Taylor, advising that he would continue to serve in this capacity if he was paid his usual salary of $200. per year. The Clerk was instructed to request the Ap- propriation Committee to give further consideration to the Boardts request of April 13 that sufficient funds be transferred from the Reserve Fund to pay Chief Taylor a salary of $200.00 per year as Forest Warden. Commitment of water lienrcosts and water rates abatements were signed. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M. A true record, Attest: C1Cle� 507 Report on Tyler home Salary of Forest Warden