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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-10-21-BOS-min 72 H"C SELECTMEN'S MEETING 1 October 21, 1957 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, October 21, 1957 at 7 :30 P.M. Chairman James, Messrs. Reed, Maloney, Tucker and Mrs . Morey were present. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, Ir. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk were also present. The Chairman read a letter from the Arlington Board of Selectmen relative to proposed curtailment of passenger service on the Boston & Maine branch. The Arlington Selectmen is of the opinion that joint Boston & opposition by Arlington, Lexington and Bedford would Maine be more forceful than individual municipal opposition trains and felt that the matter could be discussed at a meeting of the committee appointed to make a study of the Great Meadows, which will be held within the next two weeks. The letter stated that members of both Boards have been invited. The Chairman advised that the Lexington Board had not received any invitation to such a meeting. Mr. Maloney reported that Mr. Greeley, Chair- man of the Committee, has talked to him several times over the telephone and is ready and willing to meet with a committee from Lexington. He ex- plained that perhaps Mr. Greeley thought he had invited this Board through Mr. Maloney. He said he thought it would be a good idea to have Mr. Greeley set up the meeting as he felt there was more room in the Selectmen's Room in Arlington. Mr. Stevens pointed out that the Town of Bed- ford would not be interested in the Great Meadows, but would be interested in the railroad. Mrs. Morey said that both matters could be dis- posed of at one time but she thought Bedford should be present at the discussion pertaining to the pro- posed curtailment of passenger trains. Mr. Stevens said he thought the only thing to do is to get an Act through the Legislature to get the title to the Great Meadows cleared. That would involve some procedure in the Act setting up claims of Lexington and Arlington. Mr. Stevens suggested that a meeting be held as indicated and that the representatives from Bed- ford be invited for discussion of the railroad situa- tion. 73 At a later time during the same evening, Lex- ington and Arlington Selectmen could discuss the Great Meadows . He advised informing Arlington that nothing has been heard about the meeting mentioned in this letter. The Chairman read a letter from John R. Mclsaac, Chairman of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, with Trains reference to the petition filed by the Boston & Maine to discontinue train #3212 and #3217. Mr. Mclssac said he hoped the Board would take action against this petition and have Town Counsel present to oppose it. Mr. Stevens referred to Contract No. 7, sewer work, between the Town and a partnership d.b.a. Sewer Pitt Construction Company of South Lincoln, and re- contract ported that it is now in order for the Board to sign. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to sign the contract as presented by Mr. Stevens . All copies were taken by Mr. Stevens, Mr. Stevens reported on Dr. Howard Foley 's suit which came up for hearing this morning. He re- ported that last week he contacted Mr. Seth and last Saturday morning he met with Mr. and Mrs . Seth, Mr. and Mrs . Maxner and went over the situation with Foley them. They allowed him to borrow a property pur- suit chase of sale agreement which was dated the same date as the Town Meeting which accepted the layout, which calls for the sale by the Seths and Maxners to the three Foleys, including th part of the strip in front of the Viano land/tRe part of the strip in front of the Whalen land, all subject to the Town voting to accept the layout. He told them it appeared to him this was now exhausted and they were under no agreement to convey the land and in fariness to the Town, the land should not be conveyed to Foley except on the basis of better- ments . In view of the fact they are charging $500 for the land, he recommended that the Town abate the $500. He said that they were very co-operative and said they had no desire to see the Town come out ee poorly on this or to see Dr. Foley being put in a position where he could not be protected. Mr. Stevens said that he was going to see their attorney in the morning and he thought they would go on the theory that they are still willing to convey the land but not unless Dr. Foley agrees to pay betterments. Mrs. Seth said Dr. Foley mentioned a II figure of $3,000 having been given to him by some- one on the Board and it was all right with him. She also said this was the first time it ever had been 74 explained to them thattA thought of the Board, or Mr. Stevens, was that/s o ld convey this to the Town with the understanding that the Town would convey it to Dr. Foley upon payment of what the betterments would have been. Mr. Stevens reported that at the hearing in Court today, prior to appearing before the Judge, he talked to the attorney and it is a matter of dollars and cents. They checked the records and feel, according to what they find in the records, that betterments were not put on until more than six months after the work was completed and where they were only put on two property owners instead of all of them, that it can't be supported. They also admit it is not fair for him to get the road without paying. They feel Dr. Foley should pay his fair share , but his fair share is not the full amount of the betterments be- cause the land the other people gave was not the amount of the betterments they were estimated to be assessed on them. He said he told Berry there were many considerations the Board had in mind in putting this through. Some people were in favor of having it go through as Seth and Maxner, and there were those who were not, and there never was any thought that Dr. Foley should be admitted to the road with- out payment of whatever the betterments were . He has a portion of the land in business and gained a direct substantial benefit from it. Mr. Stevens said he told him he did not think Seth and Maxner were going to convey the land. Mr. Stevens said he recommended to him to find out if Dr. Foley now wants the land. Mr. Maloney said he thought it would be better to have the Town own the land. Mr. Stevens reported that he told the attorney that if Dr. Foley does not want the land he would recommend that the betterment be abated, but if he is going to have the land, he should pay the better- ment. It was left that Mr. Stevens would talk to the Board about it tonight and call him tomorrow. Mr. Stevens said if Dr. Foley does not get title to the land, the betterment should be abated. He also told Seth and Maxner it was not fair for them to con- vey the strip in front of the Viano or Whalen land. They said Mrs. Whalen did not want it but he told them he did not think she understood it. Mr. Reed asked about the Town purchasing the land and then agree to sell it to Dr. Foley if he paid the betterment. Mr. Stevens advised that it would be better to have it worked out between the parties. 75 Mr. Stevens returned two subdivision agreements; one between the Board of Selectmen as a Board of Survey Agreement and George W. Sarano, dated May 13, 1946 and one between the Town and R. Lockwood Tower, et al, dated March 24, 1941. He said he told Mr. Gould, attorney for Mr. Corrigan, Friday that the School Committee wanted to know what was going on. He explained that he told Mr. Gould he understood from him that they would not need an access across the school land and he said that was correct. He was to let Mr. Stevens know but he has not heard from him. The Chairman reported that he met with Mr. Corrigan and Rupert Stevens. He listened to their proposal for an amicable settlement which was to include their supplying water pipe , fittings, drain Corrigan pipe and sewer pipe and the Town would do the work. Their position, they said, was upheld by the fact in one of these agreements which Mr. Stevens just returned, Mr. Gould indicated that a Board of Survey street defined was one that included the installation of water and drain. It did not include sewer in these instances because there was no sewer to connect to. Having been so advised by Gould, they felt they were reasonable. The Chairman explained that he talked to Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, who felt Gould's interpreta- tion was somewhat in error so they will be required to put in the water up to eight inches. If the Town requires anything more than that it will pay for the material. They are to pay for their own sewer con- nections and all drainage down to a point on this street. The Town will pick it up from there because of the jog in the drain pipe. Mr. Stevens said that a Board of Survey Street includes the drain. He asked if the Chairman meant through their own land and the Chairman replied in the affirmative . He said they are going to bring it part way down to this street. Mr. Stevens said the Town would build a Board of Survey Street and a drain is part of the Board of Survey Street. Mr. Reed said he did not see how the Town could make them go that far. He said it was all right if they would, but he did not think the Board could tell them they have to. Mr. Stevens explained that anyone reading this agreement would be misled because it says "The sub- divider will construct the ways in the manner and location shown on the plat as finally approved by the Board of Survey and will conform to the regula- 76 '� ►.0 r�r tions of the Board of Survey regarding such con- struction. The subdivider will construct all the ways shown on the said plat in accordance with the 'Construction and Materials Specifications for Streets, Sewers, Drains, Water Mains, and Services ' adopted by the Board of Selectmen and Public Works under date of July 8, 1940, a copy of which is hereto annexed, so far as applicable, Type B. Surfaces to be deemed applicable." He explained that this tells them what they have to do to construct, but it does not tell what to construct. He pointed out that there is no agreement in this that he will put in either water or sewer, and water has nothing to do with a Board of Survey street. He explained that a Board of Survey street was of certain type, grades, etc. , and that is what the Town is going to do. He said he thought the Town had been fair. Mr. Gayer asked if he was to run the drain from the subdivision down to the Town line. Mr. Stevens replied that wherever drainage is required in that street, having in mind it will tie into the drainage of the subdivision, he would think the Town would put it in. Mr. Gayer asked about the section from here, in- dicating it on a plan, up to the development. Mr.. Stevens said it seemed to him that if this was being put in as a Board of Survey street, the Selectmen, as a Board of Survey, would require drain- age all the way. He said in fairness he thought the drainage should be included. He said if they do not come in to put in the utilities, the only thing the Town can do is build the street and it will have carried out its obligation. Mr. Stevens referred to the voting machine agree- Voting ment which was left for him by Mr. Carroll. He read machines it and advised that it is now in order for the Board to sign. (Original and copy returned to. Mr. Carroll. ) Mr. Reed asked what is to be done about Mr. Busa's bridge, and reported that he is anxious to have an answer. He said he felt certain that Mr. Busa intend- ed to insist upon the Town repairing it. Mr. Reed said he looked into the records and also went down to see Mr. Busa. Mr. Busa told him that there never was any- thing in writing. He reported that he also talked to Howard Custance because he was the one who put the bridge in and he feels that the Town has a definite obligation to maintain it. He feels that the Town, if the case went to court, would lose because it is dumping water in the brook from all parts of the Town. 177 Mrs . Morey reported that Mr. Busa maintains that when some of his land was taken, it was guaranteed that he would have access to his land. The Chairman asked what the Town had for agreements and Mr. Stevens replied that there is nothing. He said that the Town has the right to put water in there from all over Town. That was the right the Town took and Mr. Busa had his claim for damages. The damage he sus- tained was whatever was taken from him by the widening of the brook. The bridge he had, Mr. Stevens assumed, was not wide enough in its span to cross the widened ditch. He said the record is clear that the Town would build a bridge just as good as the one he had, so he was no worse off and he was paid some amount for his damages . He said it would be most unusual to have an undertaking by the Town that the bridge was to be maintained in perpetuity without having something in writing. The bank was in on it and its representative wanted to be convinced that the settlement being work- ed out with Busa was satisfactory. Mr. Reed said the point he brings out is why did the Town replace it with a cement bridge, and no one Busa 's seems to remember why. He said Mr. Busa does not have bridge access to his land and the water the Town is dumping 111 in there is washing it and widening the brook. He said there is no question in his mind that whoever put the pillars in did not go down deep enough. Mr. Custance said he did not put the pillars in.. Mr. Reed said that the normal course of the channel cannot go through the bridge . He said there is a question of whether Mr. Busa put the rocks there or of the pillars are on the rock. Mr. Gayer said that Busa said he put the rocks in so he could collect water for irrigating in the Summer. Mr. Stevens said that actually Mr. Busa has no right to put the rock there . Mr. Reed explained that Mr. Busa is going on the basis that because the Town had the cement bridge constructed, the Town should maintain it. Mr. Stevens said that when it was done, there is no doubt it -was done under the assumption that it was the Town's obligation to do it. The Chairman said he thought whatever the Board does should be done right and can be supported. Mr. Stevens said if the Town repairs it and Mr. Busa will excuse the Town from doing anything further, the matter would be disposed of. Mr. Reed said that Mr. Busa is under the impression 11 that it is to be a continual maintenance by the Town regardless. He said he is guaranteed access to his 78 Po land and to him that means the Town is to maintain the bridge. Mr. Stevens said there is not much more to do ex- cept check the files and check with Mr. DeFoe who was Superintendent at the time . Shannon Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney, option it was voted to exercise the option for the acquisition of land owned' by Shannon in the following form: EXERCISE OF OPTION By instrument dated July 30, 1957, Clarence Philip Shannon, of Randolph, Massachusetts , for consideration paid, granted to the Town of Lexington an option to purchase certain land situated on North Street in Lexington as therein des- cribed. NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the provisions of said instrument, the Town of Lexington, acting by its Board ' of Selectmen, hereby exercises said option to purchase said land subject to all of the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in said instrument. Signed at Lexington, Massachusetts, this 28'th day of October, 1957. TOWN OF LEXINGTON By- Raymond W. James Haskell W. Reed William E. Maloney Majority of the Board of Selectmen 79 Mr. Turzyn met with the Board to discuss the pos- sibility of getting water for a house he is construct- ing on Freemont Street. He said that all the people around him have long services . He discussed the sub- ject with Mr. Gayer who did everything he could and even talked to some of the people in an effort to get them to sign a petition for the installation of a water main. However, the people already have water. He said when he purchased the land, he did not ex- pect to build, but where he is now living is being taken over for a development and he has to move . Request He knew this six months ago and started to build a for water house. He said he applied for water and could not on Freematt get it. Mr. Turzyn said if he could arrange for a Street temporary connection now, he would be willing to sign a statement agreeing to pay betterments when the water main is installed. He said the bank will hold back his next payment until water is available. Mr. Gayer submitted a plan of Lexington Farms and pointed out Mr. Turzyn's lot and also pointed out where the water main comes to at the present time. He said several houses have long services. He ex- plained that Mr. Friel has built a house and indicat- ed the lots owned by him. He said that Mr. Friel paid his betterment on Freemont Street and gave the Town an easement across one lot and the Town gave him a water service. He said the problem is get- ting the extension of the main which is a routine matter except this gentlemen is in a hurry. The Chairman asked if the only way the Town can supply him with water is to extend the main and Mr. Gayer replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked what it would cost to do that and lir. Gayer replied $1800. He explained that there is a six inch pipe there now. Mr. Reed asked how much it would cost to put a service in for this man from the corner of Home- stead Street and also asked if it could be done. Mr. Gayer replied that it could be done if he had the time which he does not have. He said he is running four to six weeks on services. Mr. Reed asked why the main could not be extend- ed at this time and the Chairman replied because it will cost *1800. Mr. Reed asked if requests for such short dis- tances as 300 feet were being held up. He said he thought the main should be extended for this distance rather than to have a service put in. Mr. Gayer said he would not recommend a long service as there are too many of them now. Mn. Maloney asked if Mr. Turzyn's house was under construction and he replied that the plumbing is about finished and it is ready to be plastered. 80 2 Mr. Reed asked if he saw the sign about water when he took out his building permit and he replied in the affirmative. Mr. Reed asked if he was being forced to build sooner than he anticipated and he replied in the affirmative . Mr. Turzyn said when he started to build, he tried to get the people to sign a petition for water and sewer. Mr. Dwyer held out and then no one else would sign. Mr. Maloney asked if there was anyone who would be willing to give Mr. Turzyn permission to tie in- to their line temporarily. Mr. Gayer said if he could do that and get by-, this water main might be put in under the Betterment Act in another year. Mr. Reed asked if Mr. Friel would give him per- mission to tie into his property now and Mr. Turzyn replied that he might. Mr. Maloney said if Mr. Turzyn could get per- mission from Mr. Friel. he would have water in there . Mr. Gayer said that the Board could then con- sider the petition which Mr. Turzyn gave him today so that he might get water there next year. Mr. Reed pointed out that Mr. Turzyn would have to have an agreement whereby he could tie in until such time as the water is available; otherwise, the owner could shut him off. Mr. Gayer said he would be better off to be tied into the street. The Chairman said he thought the Board understood the problem. He suggested that Mr. Turzyn contact Mr. Friel and let the Board know how he makes out. Mr. Turzyn said that he is in favor of getting the main regardless of whether he can get water now from Mr. Friel or not. Mr. Turzyn said he would advise Mr. Gayer as to how he makes out. Mr. Turzyn retired at 8:55 P.M. The Chairman reported that a Town Meeting member said that every Town Meeting has to be hurried because Town of the time limit on salaries and asked why those could Meeting not be acted upon at a seperate Town Meeting with two Warrants . One Warrant would take care of Article 4 and ohe Warrant would take care of everything else. Mr. Stevens said that the Board could have as many Warrants as it wants but there are several things that should be done at an Annual Town Meeting and there is only one Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Donald Jenkins, Jr. , 7 Dane Road and Mr. Roger T. Westcott, 3 Foster Road, met with the Board. X1 Mr. Jenkins said he wanted to know if the Board had arrived at any decision relative to acceptance of Dane and Foster Roads. He said that the problem as he recalled it, was that the Board would like to have the streets accepted which have been built ac- cording to the Planning Board rules and regulations but they must abut on a previously accepted street. Mr. Stevens said that in each occasion where this question came up, the Board has taken the posi- tion that it would only accept streets when they did Dane and connect with a public way. Foster Mr. Jenkins asked if the streets in question Roads were built to the Town specifications and Mr. Stevens replied in the affirmative. He explained that what has happened is a petitiontjgs been filed to have the Town lay out as Town ways/connecting streets . The Town then has rights over its own ways but would be taking on an obligation to maintain a way to which it does not have access. He explained that the Board does have the power to lay out the streets. It in- volves assessment of betterments so the people liv- ing on them are affected. Mr. Foster said that in a sense he paid for an accepted street and Mr. Stevens explained that it was not for an accepted street but for an approved street. He said there have been other streets built which the people did not want accepted. Mr. Reed explained that now it would probably not cost anything to have the street accepted but two or three years from now, it may be necessary to do some work on it at which time it would cost money. Mr. Westcott said that is correct and they are not too happy about it. Mr. Reed said that the people on Sherburne Road would probably not be happy to have betterments as- sessed against them either. The Chairman asked if anyone had talked to the people on Sherburne Road and Mr. Jenkins replied in the negative. Mr. Reed said that Sherburne Road is not in good condition and it would cost those people money. Mr. Westcott asked if the policy of not accepting a street unless it joins an accepted street is a law or a policy. Mr. Stevens said that he has never had to rule whether it is legal. He said it does not make much sense to accept a street that does not abut an ac- cepted street because the Town does not have the right to go in a street and do the work it has to do. He explained that the Planning Board rules and regula- tions are to protect the purchaser. He said if Mr. Jenkins ' street was built to a cheaper standard, he would find himself doing maintenance work the first year. we He said the regulations protect the people who 111 buy the lots and also saves on cost when the street is accepted. Mr. Stevens said that when the Town participates, it accepts liability for defects in the streets . He said the Town goes as far as it can and obviously Sherburne Road will have to come in some time. Mr. Reed asked if Mr. Jenkins would be willing to contact the people on Sherburne Road and advised him that the Board requires signatures of 659 of the prop- erty owners for a street to be accepted. The Chairman said if Mr. Jenkins wanted to get some indication that the people on Sherburne Road would go along with this, it would be fine, but it has to be done fairly rapidly because the Board likes to have the petitions for street acceptances in by the 15th of October, to be figured late in December so that the Appropriation Committee can consider them for Town Meeting. He said the Board would like to have the petitions as soon as possible to be con- sidered this year for next years budget. Mr. Jenkins said that unless the people on Sherburne Road sign a petition, Dane and Foster Roads have no chance and the Chairman repled that is correct. Messrs. Messrs. Stevens, Jenkins and Westcott retired at 9:15 P.M. Mr. Floyd R. Judd, representing Spaulding-Moss Company, met with the Board, and said that his reason for an interview was to discuss the possibilMy of printing the Town Report by offset. He said that at the recent Town Clerk's convention in Great Barring- ton, he spoke about off-set printing. He explained that his concern does a great majority of the street listings in Towns by offset and is now doing a number of Town Reports by offset. He said that the reports they do have pictures, charts and graphs. Spaulding- ' Town Moss has done reports for Wilmington, Methuen and Con- Report cord and can save $600 the first year. They have also done Gloucester, Beverly and Melrose . The reports are all typewritten. He explained that the key to saving money is that the Town has its various departments type their own reports. He said he felt he -could save the Town 50% of what it paid last year. The Chairman asked if he meant that the Town designs its own report and Mr. Judd replied that is what it comes to. Mr. Reed asked about going out on bid and Mr. Judd explained that the Board could go out on the same specifications . The Chairman said that the Board would have to write its own specifications . S3 Mr. Judd said the Board would state that it is to be off-set printing, everything ready for the camera, page by page . Mrs. Morey asked if all the reports would be done on the same typewriter and Mr. Judd replied that in some towns they bring all the material to one depart- ment. He said he would be glad to show the girls in the offices how to type their reports. Mr. Judd said he borrowed one of Lexington's Town Reports and had a bid made up which may not be accord- ing to the Board ' s specifications. The bid for 600 copies was $1,110. Mrs. Morey asked Who would make up the index and Mr. Judd replied that the Town would and stated that some of the reports do not have an index. The Chairman asked how long it would take to issue the report after the copy had been submitted and Mr. Judd replied that it would not take more than three weeks . he explained that photographs cost a little more than type. The Chairman asked how much it would add to the cost if Spaulding-Moss did the typing and Mr. Judd replied about $2.00 per page. The Chairman said that the Board would discuss the subject and contact Mr. Judd one way or another. Mr. Judd retired at 9:50 P.M. Mrs . Morey said she would like to make the sug- gestion that the Town by-laws be put together and doing it this way might not cost very much. She By-Laws said these people could do it and then the Board would have a sample of the work. She said she would like to have the By-Laws done eveh though they are not revised so they can at least be read. Mrs . Morey suggested that when Mr. Judd is in again he be shown the By-Laws and asked to submit a price as to how much it would cost. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for relocation of a j/o pole on Bedford Street 205 feet northwest of Worthen Road. Mr. Gayer explained that the relocation is to enable the First National Stores to widen their driveway. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to grant the petition and sigh the order for the following j/o pole reloca- tion: Bedford Street, southwesterly side , ap- proximately 205 feet northwest of Worthen Road, Pole One pole. location One existing j/o pole to be removed. The Chairman read a letter from A. Clifford Fletcher requesting extension of the sewer, under the Betterment Act, to service 112 Spring Street. Mr. Gayer reported that this extension would Sewer be about fourteen feet deep and is solid ledge. extension The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Fletcher that his request will be included in the 1958 budget and considered when appropriations are being discussed for presentation to the Annual Town Meeting in March. The Chairman read a letter from Dominic Simeone, requesting installation of sewer in Essex Street. It was felt that this would be an item for the 1958 budget but Mr. Gayer was instructed to obtain more information relative to the installation of sewer in this street and also in Laurel Street. Petition was received frog residents of Young Street requesting that the street be accepted from #24 to #34. Young Street does not connect to an accepted Young street, but has been constructed according to Street the Towns specifications . A street now under construction by Mr. Frizzore, when completed, will connect to Young Street. Mr. Gayer was instructed to obtain more definite information as to the time when Frizzore 's street will be finished. Mrs . Joan Sheehan's request for water at 54 Asbury Street was held over. Mr. Gayer reported that he received a petition from Asbury Street for installation of sewer and street construction. He presented a plan and explained the location of Mrs . Sheehan's house . He Request said an extension of 200 feet would reach her lot, for Water but if the street is to be constructed, he thought Asbury the water should be put in the entire length. Street The Chairman asked if the petition was for both street and sewer and Mr. Gayer replied in the affirma- tive, ffirma- tive, The Chairman asked if, providing funds are avail- able , Mr. Gayer could get a contractor to do this and do Freemont Street. He said if there is enough money, he would be in favor of inviting bids and getting these two pieces done . Mr. Reed asked if all that was needed was another shovel, and Mr. Gayer replied in the negative. He said the biggest job is laying the pipes . 85 The Chairman read another letter from Edward R. Stockdale, 6 School Street, in reference to the Board's Tree letter of September 26th denying his request for re- removal imbursement of money paid by him for the removal of a tree. The Board was of the opinion that there is noth- ing to justify a change in its decision. The Chairman read a letter from the Department of Public Works advising that J. J. Carroll Construc- tion has requested an extension of time on Chapter 90 Chapter 90 work on Concord Avenue. The Department recommended an extension to November 23, 1957. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to grant the J. J. Carroll Construction an extension of time on Chapter 90 work, Concord Avenue until November 23, 1957. The Chairman read a letter from Miss Edith A. Tuttle, 12 Hancock Street, complaining about an old barn and fence at the railroad track near her Complaint house. The Board felt this was something over which it had no jurisdiction and referred it to the Historic Districts Commission for a possible solu- ' tion. The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board to the State Department of Public Works rela- tive to the re-design of Route 2 and the recently Route 2 completed major street plan for Lexington. Mr. Gayer said that he is of the opinion, if the Board could spare some time, that it should sit down with Mr. Snow to discuss this and he would like to be present also. He said there is a substantial amount of money involved and if he tries to get estimates on all that was brought up, it will take about six months. The Chairman said he thought the Board should devote a whole evening to the subject and go into it thoroughly. It was agreed to meet Thursday night, October 24th, if it is convenient for Mr. Snow and the Plan- ning Board. Mr. Gayer said that his estimate on sewer services at this time indicates that he will need approximately $4,000. He reported that he will have about $4,500 after this week's bills are put through. He said if the estimates are correct and the weather is right, he will probably spend about $8,000. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Gayer call the matter to the Board's attention again when the ac- count is down to about $1,000, at which time con- Water sideration can be given to requesting a transfer services from the Reserve Fund. Mr. Gayer retired at 11:00 P.M. Letter was received from Mrs . Henry J. Gartin, 11 Fairview Avenue, advising that she would like to acquire title to the parcel of land located between so-called old Wood Street and new Wood Street. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mrs. Gartin to consult an attorney for advice and assist- ance in acquiring this property. The Chairman read a letter from Raymond F. Sewer Boudreau, owner of Lot 14., Lowell Street, requesting betterment deferment of the sewer betterment assessment levied deferred against this lot. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted, under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, to extend thet time for payment of #389.33 sewer betterment assessment, without interest, until said land or any part thereof is built upon, sold, or until the expi aQ n of three years from the date hereof, whichever/o 'cs tirst; provided however, that this extension of time shall terminate immediately if the facilities of the sewer main are used for said land or any part thereof. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll advising that the additional voting machines are due for delivery any time after November 1st. He said that it will be necessary to change the voting places of precincts one and two because there is no storage space in the Adams School or the East Lexington Fire Station. Mr. Carroll suggested precinct one at the Harrington or Munroe School; precinct two and three Voting at Cary Hall; precinct four at the Senier High School; Precincts precinct five at the Central Fire Station and precinct six at Maria Hastings School. Mrs. Morey said if the voting at the Adams SchOol was downstairs, she felt sure there would be room to store the machines. Mr. Maloney said he thought there was storage space available in the basement of the East Lexington Fire Station. The Board decided to view the voting places be- fore making any decision relative to Mr. Carroll's suggestions. The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board stating that it is their understanding that office space is to be rearranged upon completion of the new Police Station. The Planning Board has 87 in mind continuance of its present office and the addition df the office now used by the Cemetery Commissioners. Mr. Reed reported that Fred Johnson, a member of the Standing School Building Committee, said that they would like to take over the Barnes property for the Superintendent of Schools . The Chairman said he thought the Board should spend an evening to discuss this entire situation and determine who is going to go where and why. Mr. Malone eplained that the furniture and equipment/PliPt e ew building has been purchased for the people they determined were to Office be in that building. space The Chairman said that as far as the old Town Office Building is concerned, and arrangements for the Barnes property are concerned, nothing definite has been done . Mr. Reed said that Mr. Johnson told him rather than lose three class rooms he would like to see the Superintendent of Schools located in the Barnes building. The Chairman read a letter from Gerald E. Foley, 76 Adams Avenue, Everett, requesting permission to hunt in that part of Lexington known as the Great Meadows. The Chairman was authorized to advise 1Ir. Foley Hunting that, according to our By-Laws, permission must first be obtained from the owner of the land, Lexington not being the owner, and then from the local Chief of Police or Board of Selectmen. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Meeting Members Association stating that they definitely want heads of departments present at Town Meetings. Mr. Reed said that the Board of Selectmen is the head of Public Works Department and not the Superin- tendent. Department Mrs . Morey said she thought the only way it could heads at be done as the way the School Department does it. The Town Superintendent is present but never has to say ahyth±ng. Meeting She said the Town Accountant is also present and he does not have to say anything. The Chairman said he presumed the Association means the head of the Fire and Police Departments, Board of Assessors and Cemetery Commissioners. Mrs. Morey suggested that the Chairman acknow- ledge the letter and ask what is meant by depart- , ment heads. The Chairman reported that James M. West has resigned from the Standing School Building Committee V 6 Y bns4 p�..r ery1...1.�1 Ifs' , resignation and it will be necessary for the Board to appoint someone to fill the vacancy. The Chairman said that during the Summer, the Board did not complete viewing tax title properties tpx title and asked if it would be convenient to continue this on Saturday. It was agreed to discuss those parcels that the Board had looked at on Thursday night. The Chairman said that he has received two or three letters from other towns who want a copy of Salary Lexington's salary schedule . They have sent copies plan of their schedule now in existence and contethplated changes . He said it is plain to him that Lexington salary plan will have to be revised this year upward to be in line and it will be a major job to do that. He said he would be glad to undertake it if the Board wanted him to. No one objected and it seemed apparent that the other members of the Board would like to have the Chairman continue his work on the schedule. The Board gave further consideration to Mr. William E. Maloney's offer of $400 for lot 5 Mass- achusetts Avenue (Munroe East Lexington) . Apro- posal to sell this lot was advertised in the October 17, 1957 issue of the Lexington Minute-man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result ' Tax title of the advertisement. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted that the offer be accepted and that Lot 5 Massachusetts Avenue (Munroe East Lexington) be sold and conveyed to Mr. Maloney. The meeting adjourned at 11:35 P.M. A true record, Attest: xec tiv Jerk Select'n N kJ5