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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1959-04-16-BOS-min 89 SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 6, 1959 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, Ar=ril 6, 1959, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Maloney, Messrs . James, Adams, Ferguson and Mrs. Morey were present. Mr. Stevens , Town L'ounsel, Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk were also present. The minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held on March 30, 1959 were declared approved. Minutes The Chairman read a letter from Mr . Stevens in regr;rd to the Jonas Gammell Legacy, which was in reply to an inquiry made by the Board . It was impossible to carry out the terms of the legacy because the Town' s almshouse was abolished and on April 23, 1929, the court entered a decree setting Jonas forth that the income Rion: the bequest be expended by Gammell the Town in purchasing luxuries or delicacies for the Legacy town poor, wherever located. One of the requirements of the will is that income shall be expended by the overseers of the pour (now Boated of Public Welfare ) and two ladies, residents of the town, to be appointed annually by the Selectmen. The Chairman suggested appointing Mrs. Mary Casey, an employee in the Welfare Department, because of her contact with the needy. Mr. Adams said that the will mentioned the poor of the town and not just those that come to the Welfare Department and suggested appointing a lady from one of the Catholic Church charitable organizations and one from the Protestant Church charitable organizations . The Chairman explained that he had suggested Mrs. Casey because every year there are people in Town who receive help but who are not receiving welfare . Mrs . Morey questioned the advisability of appoint- ing a Town employee to a position in this category. Mr. James said that he did not have anyone to sug- gest, but whoever the two people are , they should have some contribution to make about who should be the re- cipients . Mrs . Morey suggested Mrs . Alonzo West ana Mrs . Wallace Knights who have had experience in distributing clothing and funds to families in need. Mr. James said he would not object to the appoint- 90 az ment of Mrs . Casey. Upon motion of Mrs . Morey, seconded by Mr. Adams, it was voted to appoint Mrs . Alonzo West and Mrs . Mary Casey. In the event Mrs . West declines the appointment, Mrs . Wallace Knights was second choice . Mr. Stevens again discussed improvement to the MDC Water water system and agreed o arrange an informal conference with the Air Force personnel for further discussion. The Chairman read a letter from William Hammer, President of the Sun Valley Associates, requesting an Abandoned investigation of an abandoned swimming pool owned by Swimming DeVries Construction Company. Pool It was agreed to request the Building Inspector to make an investigation and submit a report to the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Agnes Moynihan, 29 Florence Avenue , Arlingto'i, reporting that on March 23, 1959 she fell down on the sidewalk at 1734 Massachu- setts Avenue . She claimed that there was a defect in Claim for the sidewalk and when she fell, she struck her- head, injuries broke her eyeglasses, injured both knees and cut a gash over her right eye . Mr. Stevens reported that he called Miss Moynihan, and one expense was for a pair of eyeglass frames for which Dr. Foley charged $16.00. He said her coat will fi.ave to be cleaned and she ruined a pair of stockings . She has not been to a doctor, her sister being a nurse , and her knees are still bandaged. He said he was go- ing to contact her again in about a week. Mr. Stevens retired at 8:30 P.M. Letter was received from the Mystic Valley Gas Company requesting permission to install an 8" high pressure gas main in Williams Road, Bertwell Road, Gas Main Simonds Road and Preston Road from Bedford Street to Blake Road, for the purpose of augmenting the supply of gas to the Town through a new main in Bedford Street from the Bedford Airport. Mr. Carroll explained that the installation would be made on the shoulders and the pavements would not be broken except where the streets are crossed. Mrs . Morey asked if the land would be restored to its original condition after the installation, and 91 Mr. Carroll replied that he would specify in the per- mit what he wants done . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request subject to the provision that the work is to be done in accordance with Mr. Carroll' s specifications and requirements . The Chairman read a letter from Donald B. Lindsay, 47 Wood Street, in which he submitted suggestions for control of vehicular traffic at the junction of Marrett Road, Lincoln Street and School Street at Five Forks. Traffic It was agreed to send a copy of the letter to the members of the Traffic Study Committee . The Chairman reported that a petition had been re- ceived, signed by some of the merchants in the Center, requesting an appointment to discuss the parking re- striction in the area of the Central Block. It was agreed to send a copy of this petition to Traffic the members of the Traffic Study Comnittee . Mr. Adams said he was not sure that the Board could not restore parking in the area but he felt the basic problem at the corner of Meriam Street is en- forcement. He said if parking is going to be permitted, ' there should be an officer assigned there . Mr. James said that it is difficult for drivers coming up Massachusetts Avenue to make a left turn at the statue and the traffic problem in the whole area is becoming more serious. He said he thought an ad- ditional officer was needed. Mr. Carroll retired at 8:38 P.M. Captain MacIsaac, Sector Director, Civil Defense, met with the Board The Chairman explained that the Board has had some discussion concerning the Town' s Civil Defense Civil program and does not feel that it is adequate and Defense thought Captain MacIsaac could advise what should be done and how it should be done . Mr. James said that he would like to hear from Captain MacIsaac on a completely informal basis, He said he recognizes that no community can be prepared for the ultimate nor can it just not do anything. He said there must be a middle ground where for a reason- able amount the Town can get a reasonable amount of protection. Captain MacIsaac explained that up until last August, Civil Defense was a State and Municipal affair 92 ' 010 but with the passing of public law 85606, there is now joint responsibility, Federal, State and local. This was brought about because of the necessity for the Fed- eral Government to enter into the picture on a more financial footing. He explained that there is a pro- vision in this law for greater financial assistance . Captain MacIsaac said that there are four areas; 1 is Boston, 2 is the Cape and the Islands, 3 is Wor- cester and 4 is Springfield. Those areas are divided into Sectors and Lexington is Sector 1-C , which includes sixteen towns . He explained that the State has a train- ing center at Topsfield where individuals are trained in rescue work, laying water pipe , radio and welfare work. M . James said that he was interested in what kind of an organization the Town should have . There is a Director, and, as he understands it, a good communications group, but beyond that , the Town has substantially nothing. He asked what kind of a plan Captain MacIsaac would re- commend for Lexington. Captain MacIsaac replied that in a Town there are departments that have experts. In the event of an all out disaster or an atta^.k, these people will be working. He said it is tris opinion that the Town can never be better prepared than to have every department in town actively on the job with the Civil Defense Director. He said there is the Public Works, Education to work on an evacuation plan to take care of the schools, Public Welfare , Board of Health. He said the Town has a trained nucleus. He said the Director should have two assistants He said the Police and Fire Departments have contributed much to Civil Defense in many towns . He said a Town the size of Lexington should have a working organization. Mr. Adams said he understood that Cpncord has a good organization and Captain MacIsaac agreed. Mr. Adams asked how they became so well organized, and Captain MacIsaac replied that it was leadership. The Chairman asked if the Auxiliary Police should he given runs and used or trained in handling traffic . Captain MacIsaac replied that they could not assist if they did not know their duties . The Chairman asked if Captain MacIsaac was a full- time Director and he replied in the affirmative . He ex- plained that he is in the employ of the Massachusetts Civil Defense and is a Sector Director and Coordinator of the activities of the Town in Sector 1-C . The Chairman asked about the towns the Captain felt had done a good job, and he reported that Lieutenant Sweeney of the Arlington Police Department has done an outstanding job. In Belmont, Mr. Chaffe, not a town employee, has done a good job . 93 The Chairman asked if a police officer such as Sergeant or Lieutenant should head the Auxiliary Police, and Captain MacIsaac replied that the Chief should select the individual to head the Auxiliary Police . He said it very definitely should be someone in the Department. He reported that Cambridge has one of the best Auxiliary Police units in the country. Captain MacIsaac explained that representatives from the Civil Defense, experienced in various de- partments, would come out to Lexington at any time to help. He said Lexington needs a plan He said in most cities, it is a must to have a warning system. He said the system should be placed strategically and the people manufacturing the systems would ad- vise the Board. He explained that this type of equip- ment can be purchased with matching funds . He said wardens could be very valuable in compil- ing information as to the number of people who are am- bulatory in each house , number of cars, how many need cars, traffic control and welfare services . He said Lexington is an evacuation community because of its proximity to Hanscom Field. Captain MacIsaac said he would be glad to confer with Lexington' s Director or anyone else . He retired at 9:15 P. M. Mr . Adams said he thought the members of the Board should have some definite suggestions relative to Civil Defense for next Monday' s meeting. The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board recommending that the proposed road to be con- structed by the Federal Government from Wood to Bed- ford Streets be named Hartwell Avenue in honor of one Street of the old Lexington families which resided on Wood name street in the 1850' s. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Cele- brations Committee relative to arranging for the entertainment of 25 or 30 members of the United Nations Secretariat during their visit to Lexington for the weekend of May 15th to 17th. UN The Committee feels that it is too late to act Secretariat in an official capacity and that the short time would not allow it Co do a job which would be a credit to the Town. It was agreed to send a copy of the communication, together with a copy of the Board' s letter, to Mr. Wil- liam R. Page A lengthy discussion was held relative to the use 94' n C7C of the property at 9 Hancock Street by the Lexington Chapter American Red Cross for a Chapter House . Mr. Ferguson moved that the Red Cross be given #9 Hancock the use of the property on the basis that the Town Street will accept no rent, will not be held responsible for any repairs to or upkeep of the building and will not be held liable for any injury that might occur to any individual . Mrs. Morey said she would prefer to meet with the Red Cross representatives and then confirm the dis- cussion with a letter. Mr. Adams offered the following amendment: That the Red Cross be advised that the Board of Selectmen will offer a plan at the next Annual Town Meeting to either remodel the present building, demolish the pre- sent building or erect a new structure in place of the present building. The Motion as amended was seconded by Mr . James, The Chairman reported that Mr. Alexander MacMillan, 38 Walnut Street, Arlington, called him to advise that he is still interested in acquiring lot 18 and part of lot 17, Sylvia Street for which the Board had entertained an offer of $1,000. Tax title It was agreed to advise Mr. MacMillan that the price of the lots is still $1,000 and if he intends to make one building lot, it should be understood that he must take ten feet from this parcel and add it to the abutting property which he now owns and upon which there is a building. The Chairman read a letter from James G. Marshall, Permit President of the Lexington Lion' s Ulub, requesting per- mission to sell Tricorne hats on April 20th. The Board had no objection and permission was grant- ed. The Chairman read a letter from Carolyn Cole, Secre- tary of the National Honor Society, requesting permis- sion to sell light refreshments on April 20th in the vicinity of the East Lexington Branch Library and Hastings Park. The Board had no objection and permission was grant- ed. Letter was received from Paul Lloyd, requesting per- mission, on behalf of the !}-H Horse Club, to conduct a Horse Show at 202 Cedar Street on May 3, and to place Permit directional signs at the junctions of Hill Street and Bedford Street, Cedar Street and Massachusetts Avenue 95 and Paul Revere Road and Massachusetts Avenue The Board had no objection and permission was granted. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to request the managers of the Package Goods Stores to Package remain closed on April 20th until 5 00 P.M. Goods Stores Mr . Adams suggested that the Board send a letter to all the merchants requesting them to remain closed on April 20th. Following an informal discussion, it was agreed to have Mr . Adams prepare a proclamation relative to the observance of Patriotts Day on April 20th. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve surety bond #M199881, in the amount of Bond $1,000, on behalf of Donald K . Irwin, Building Inspector,. for a term expiring April 25, 1960. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve surety bond #632130, in the amount of Bond $1,000, on behalf of Hazel J. Murray, Executive Clerk to the Board, for a term expiring April 1, 1960. The Chairman read a letter from Waltham Protective Departments, William C . Vincent, Jr. , Chairman, invit- ing the Town to partici atein a four-day program for the observance of July 4th. It was agreed to refer the communication to the Fire Department. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign application for Certificate of Incorporation Cert. of Inc. on behalf of Ernest Crerie , satisfactory character reference having been received from the Chief of Police . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign application for Certificate of Incorporation Cert of Inc. on behalf of Robert Mann, satisfactory character refer- ence having been received from the Chief of Police . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the following licenses Margaret M. McLaughlin 25 Harding Road Auctioneer (Renewtl. ) John A. Schoppet 8 Dee Road 9 Charles B. Young 24 Young Street Peddler Upon motion of Mrs . Morey, seconded by Mr. James, 96 rD it was voted to re-appoint Bertram P. Gustin, Bentley Appointments S.Hutchins and Donald B. Cobb to serve on the Town Celebrations committee for three-year terms expiring April 30, 1962. Mr. James reported that Mr. Joseph Belcher asked him about the possibility of him and Mr. Morelli ac- Veteranst wiring the lot of land between their houses. It is lots the only remaining veteranst lot and they realize that it is swampy. Upon determing whether or not the Board can dis- pose of the lot under these conditions, the Board will then decide whether or not it desires to sell it . M'. James reported that the Field and Garden Field and Club would like to do some planting and asked for sug- Garden Club gestions . It was agredd to request Mr. Mazerall of the Park Department to contact Mrs. John C . Gale , 25 Preston Road, and to send her a copy of the letter to Mr. Mazerall. The Chairman brought up the subject of the ambu- lance . A majority of the Boaru of Selectmen viewed an S & S. Model 591043 Cadillac ambulance shown by tie I. W. Douglas Company and a 1959 Superior Cadillac ambulance shown by the Superior Coach Sales, Inc . , at 5:30 P.M. today . The third bidder, Miller Meteor Sales did not have an ambulance to display. After due consideration of the bids, the Board determined it to be in the best interest of the Town to purchase an S & S Cadillac ambulance from the I. W. Douglas Co. at the quoted net price of $8, 674.75. The meeting adjourned at 11:05 P.M. A true record, Attest: xect tine lerk, electme .