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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1942-06-220 • �J SELECTMEN'S MEETING June 22, 1942. A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening, June 22, 1942 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Giroux, Messrs. Potter, Rowse,,and Sarano were pre- sent. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. hearing was declared open upon the application of Louis W. Bills for permission to in- stall an underground tank for the storage of 550 gal- lons of gasoline at 73 Hancock Street, Lexington. The notice of the hearing was read by the Chairman. No persons appeared in favor or in opposition. The ap- plication was approved by the Board of Fire Engineers. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter, it was voted that a license be granted for a period of one year. Gasoline hearing At 7:37 P.M. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. He said that the School Department had requested the use of Cary Hall, July lst and 2nd from 10:00 A.M. Use of to 8:00 P.M. and on July 3rd from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 hall P.M. Mr. Potter moved that the uses be granted free of charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton reported that Mr. C. H. McAuley of 10 Grassland Street had requested permission to rent the Town grader and roller. Mr. Paxton approved of the rentals. Mr. Potter moved that the Town equipment be rented subject to the usual charge. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that Mrs. Franklin Balduf had made an offer of $5.00 for the hay on the Town farm property. Mr. Paxton contacted others in Town whom he thought might be interested. The Chairman sug- gested that a notice be inserted in the paper so that people would know that the hay is for sale. Mr. Paxton agreed to insert a notice in the paper. The Chairman read a letter from the War Produc- tion Board advising that Lexington had been sblected by the Salvage Division of the War Production Board for the collection of tin cans. The letter ecplained the method of preparing the cans for salvage and recommended municipal collection of them. Rental of equipment Hay on Town farm Salvage of tin cans The Chairman suggested that the matter be referred to the Salvage Committee of the Lexington Committee on Public Safety and it was decided to do so. Mr. Paxton said that Mrs. George P. Morey had re- quested a sign on North Hancock Street reading "Slow Street Children" or something like that. Mr. Paxton was of sign the opinion that such signs on residential streets do not do much good as the people who drive over the streets usually live on them and pay no attention to the signs. A sign would cost $15.00. He said he had some in stock. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Paxton be instructed to erect the sign. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that the Town Meeting had es- tablished the Town's construction program but had not done anything on the maintenance program. He said that it was difficult to get materials and he recommended that the following policy for the Public Works Depart- ment for the war years be adopted. POLICY OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMI!NT DURING WAR YEARS. Due to the scarcity of men and materials, it is the vote of the Board of Selectmen that the following policy should be followed in the Public Works Depart- ment during the coming year. 1. The installation of water services to all new houses be eliminated unless the prospective builder can furnish a priority number, which will enable us to • • The Chairman told the Board that Alan Adams and he had discussed the matter of people not being able to get away this summer because of the gasoline and rubber shortage, and they talked about putting in some outdoor fireplaces at the Aldrich property at Fireplaces the Center playground. Mr. Paxton said he believed Center that most fireplaces were failures unless they had a Playground skeleton setup. Mr. Garrity obtained prices on skeleton setups and they range from $13.75 to $29.00 each. Mr. Paxton said he thought a fireplace of a very simple nature would cost about $30.00. The Board felt that Mr. Garrity should get some informa- tion from the State as to the cost of the fireplaces up at Ashby. The Chairman said that it would be necessary to supply tables, benches, water, wood, etc. It was suggested that welfare recipients might do the work and then the cost could be charged to the Welfare Aid appropriation. The matter was held over for two weeks. Mr. Paxton said that the Town Meeting had es- tablished the Town's construction program but had not done anything on the maintenance program. He said that it was difficult to get materials and he recommended that the following policy for the Public Works Depart- ment for the war years be adopted. POLICY OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMI!NT DURING WAR YEARS. Due to the scarcity of men and materials, it is the vote of the Board of Selectmen that the following policy should be followed in the Public Works Depart- ment during the coming year. 1. The installation of water services to all new houses be eliminated unless the prospective builder can furnish a priority number, which will enable us to • • 1 replenish our stock of fittings and pipe used in the said installation. 2, The installation of all new garden services be eliminated unless it is to be used in the raising of vital food crops. 3. The use of all bituminous materials be limited to the necessary pavement maintenance, and are not to be used in the construction of ramps from the edge of the pavement to the property line. 4. Bituminous sidewalk maintenance be limited to only patching holes and cracks existing in said side- walks, and not to include general resurfacing. 5. Loaming and seeding of shoulders be limited to those locations where highway, water and sewer con- struction has taken place. Adopted by the Board of Selectmen on June 22, 1942. Mr. Paxton said that William Moore of Hancock Street came in to see him about the heavy trucking on that street. The contention is that some time ago the residents complained to the Police Depart- ment about this and the Police went up there and did stop some of the trucks. Of course the idea was that they would be taken to court, but apparently nothing was ever done because the very next day the heavy trucking continued. Mr. Paxton said that prob- ably that was due to the fact that the existing law was such that the Court could do nothing about it. However, the new regulations are very clear on this subject. Mr. Paxton said he thought the remedy was to request the Police Department to enforce the new regulations regarding heavy trucking on Hancock St. The Clerk was instructed to write Chief Sullivan on the matter. Letter was received from the Boston and Maine Railroad informing the Board that they were about to assemble material to rebuild the superstructures of the bridge over the railroad at Maple Street. They asked if the Town had in mind any changes in its facilities on the bridge or in the roadway leading to the bridge. Mr. Paxton tried to check with the State to find out if they had any plans, but received no information. The roadway narrows down to 18 feet at the bridge and on either side it is 24 feet. He thought it logical to plan the bridge so that they could get a 24 foot travelled way over it, but prob- ably the work cannot be done for some time. He said that a couple of years ago this question came up and the Town was told that it would have to replace the r 543 Complaint re: heavy truck- ing Bridge at Maple Street Bettencourt req. for wall the sidewalk and the estimated cost was $400.00. Un- doubtedly this will come up again. Mr. Paxton said he would like more time to study the matter and it was decided to hold it over for two weeks. The Board discussed again the request of Joseph Bettencourt of 65 Spring Street that the Town build a retaining wall in front of his property. Mr. Paxton said he believed the situation was no worse here than in many other places in Town. Mr. Rowse said that if we started in and built one for this man, we would have the question of building walls in the future and it would cost a great deal of money. He said it meant a change in policy. The Chairman said that there were no funds available at the present time to do the work anyway. It was decided to tell Mr. Bettencourt that the Board could not authorize the work at the present time. The Board discussed again the request of Toros Bashian Bashian that the Town rebuild the fence on his pro - fence perty. The Board felt that there was no.responsibil- ity on the Town's part and took no action on the matter. Letter was received from the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Works advising that the Commissioners Chapter had allotted $1,000.00 for the maintenance of Chapter 90 90 roads, on condition that $1,000.00 be contributed by the Town and $1,000.00 by the County. The Chairman informed the Board that through error It had neglected to appoint Mr. Paxton as of April 1, Supt. of 1942. Mr. Potter moved that Mr. William C. Paxton be Public appointed Supt. of Public Works in the Town of Lexing- =°Works ton for a period of one year; said appointment to be retroactive to April, 1, 1942 and to remain in effect until March 31, 1943. Letter was received from Mr. Wrightington to which was attached a check in the amount of $90.00 to cover the minimum water charge for six years on premises owned by the Middlesex and Boston Street Railway Company and occupied by Albert A. Ross & Son. The Clerk was instructed to turn the check over to the Water Department. Mr. Paxton retired at 8:32 P.M. Mr. James J. Carroll appeared before the Board. He asked if the Selectmen would have any objection to calling a meeting of the Town employees and having War a representative of the Federal Government address them bonds in an attempt to get the employees to pledge ten percent • I I • • of their wages each week for the purchase of war bonds. Mr. Carroll said that he was on this committee and had to request this of all firms in Lexington employing five persons or over. The Board had no objection pro- vided the employees were contacted as a group and there was no individual approach. Mr. Carroll retired at 8:35 P.M. Mr. Morse appeared before the Board at 8:40 P.M. and retired at 9:05 P.M. Letter was received from the Surplus Commodities Division to which was attached copies of the new pro- posed agreement between the Town and the State Depart- ment of Public Welfare relative to the operation of the Stamp Plan. The Clerk had sent the agreement to the Town Counsel for his approval. The Chairman read his opinion on it. Mr. Wrightington said that he would like to read the Federal regulations which were supposed to have been attached to the agreement, and he wondered about the vote under which the money was appropriated. Mr. Stalker, the Director of Commodity Distribution, is to send Mr. Wrightington a copy of the Federal regulations and the Board instructed the Clerk to send Mr. Wrightington a copy of the vote. It was decided to hold the matter over for two weeks. Letter vising that John J. Town of Town of Town of 'Down of was received the following Garrity from the Rationing Board ad - persons held "X" cards: Lexington, Fire Lexington, Eng. Lexington, Hwy. Lexington, Water Town of Lexington by W. John F. O'Connor Elsie G. vdeltch Dept., by Chief Taylor Dept., by W. C. Paxton Dept., by W. C. Paxton & Sewer Dept., by W. C. Paxton C. Paxton, reg. 575,605. The Clerk informed the Board that Mrs. McMahon, a visitor from the Division of Child Guardianship had called relative to the application of Mrs. Alice A. Frost of 56 Allen Street, for a license to board eight infants. Mrs. McMahon pointed out that if Mrs. Frost boarded more than four infants she would have to have a lodting house license. Mr. Potter moved that the vote of May 4, 1942 approving the license for eight children be rescinded and that the license be approved for the boarding of not more than four children. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. X545 Food Stamp Plan "X" card holders Frost infant boarding license Governor Saltonstall's Executive Order #19 rela- tive to transportation of war workers and Order #20 relative to the conservation of gasoline and rubber were received and noted. Pi The Chairman said that it was in order for the Board to pass a vote approving the use of the Center Sports playground on July 19, 1942. Day Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the Center play- ground on July 19, 1942 for a Sports Day be approved. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Mr. Wrightington en- closing form of article for the next town warrant Article with reference to the acceptance of Chapter 710 of the Statute of 1941, relative to bicycles. Mr. Potter said that the committee on the sale of property acquired by foreclosure of tax titles Lots 40-41 had considered the offer of Marion R. Coughlin to Dexter Rd. pay $150.00 for lots 40 and 41, Block 22, Dexter Road. The committee felt that $300.00 should be paid for these lots and the Clerk was instructed to so inform Mrs. Coughlin. The Clerk reported that Mrs. Edith Tyler of 31 Maple Street had reported that John Swasey, the per- son about whom the neighbors complained, was no longer staying at her home. The Chairman reminded the Board that when the Oak Street job was being contemplated, the Board was told 'Nichols that it could defer the betterment assessment on the betterment Nichols' property on Oak Street. Mr. Wrightington assessment prepared an agreement at that time for the Town and Mr. Nichols to sign, but the agreement was put away in the Engineers' Office and was never signed. Mr. Nichols has signed the agreement and it is in order for the Board to sign it. Mr. Potter moved that the agreement be signed. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The report of the School Lunch project for the month of May was received. Application for a common victualler's license was received from Robert C. Beaulieu of 447 Mass. Com. Vic. Avenue. The Chairman said that Mr. Beaulieu wished license to sell cooked foods to homes; said foods having denied been cooked in a portable kitchen on wheels. The Chairman said that he had talked with the Health Inspector who had inspected the portable kitchen. Pi • • • . Mr. Lamont said that the kitchen was in a neat and clean condition. The Chairman said he was afraid that if this license was granted, it would establish a precedent which would result in lunch cartel driving up to the playgrounds, schools, etc. and becoming a general nuisance. Mr. Sarano moved that Potter seconded the motion, the license be refused. Mr. and it was so voted. Application for the certification of character of William DeFelice of 80 Westview Street was received. Peddler's This man has applied for a peddler's license. The license Board signed the certificate but instructed the Clerk not to mail it out until the Chief's statement of character was received. The Chairman read a letter from Tax Commissioner, Henry F. Long, recommending that the Tax Collector pur- chase now whatever printed forms he would need for 1943 and 1944. The Chairman talked with Mr. Scamman and the latter said that these forms cost about $500.00 a year. The Chairman said that it was, of course, unusual to purchase forms for future years and that he had talked with Mr. Sheldon on the subject. They felt it might be all right to order for 1943 only. Mr. Sarano moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer $500.00 from the Reserve Fund to the Tax Collector - Expenses Account to purchase printed forms for 1943. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Neil McIntosh complaining of a dog owned by Hubert D. Broderic of 9 Hancock Ave. Mr. McIntosh said that the dog chased automobiles and was an annoyance to motorists, and that he fought and attacked other dogs. The Clerk was instructed to have the Dog Officer investigate the complaint. The Chairman told the Board that George Vaccarest of 252 Marrett Road had called him to see what might be done so that the Lovell Bus Company might be granted permission to stop on Massachusetts Avenue so as to allow passengers to alight at the Sacred Heart Church. The Chairman said that the way to accomplish this was for the Selectmen to petition the Department of Public Works which would hold a hearing. The Chairman thought that the matter of bus transportation might be a serious problem next winter and that perhaps the subject should be gone into. He thought that the matter should be taken up with the various churches and then a conference held with representatives of the Lovell Bus Company and Tax forms for 1943 Complaint Lovell Bus Dr. Tozier film Boston Street Railway Company. The ClerlC was instructed to write the various churches. for their reaction. The Chairman told the Board that Dr. Charles H. Tozier of Winchester had prepared a film entitled 'The Americas - Our Heritage" compiled from pictures taken by him in South America. Drc« Tozier is one of the best known color photographers in America, and he has travelled all over the globe. He is going to show the film to the Employers' Liability Assurance Corp., Ltd., Wm. Filene's Sons, Lever Brothers, etc. The pro- ceeds are to be used to purchase Christmas boxes for boys from the companies now serving with the armed forces. Dr. Tozier will show the film in Winchester and would like to show it in Lexington with the hope that other companies and other towns take up the idea. He is to receive no compensation whatsoever but does re- quest that the community pay for the bulbs he uses and for transporting his equipment to and from Winchester. This expense is estimated at $16.00. He would like to show the film in Lexington some time in September. The Chairman asked if the Board would approve granting Dr. Tozier the use of Cary Hall on September 25, 1942. Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall on that evening be granted free of charge. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman asked the Board how it would feel about appointing a committee composed of a representa- tive from the organizations in Town. The Board felt that this was a good idea. It was decided to hold the next meeting of the Board at 4:30 P.M. on Monday, June 29, 1942. Commitment of water betterment assessments and water house connections were signed. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M. A true record, Attest: Clerk f •