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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1956-11-27-BOS-min 165 SELECTMEN'S MEFTSNG November 27, 1956 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday evening, November 27, 1956 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. James and Maloney were present. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Clerk were also present. The Chairman read a letter from T. F. Hanron, District Highway Engineer, State Department of Pub- lic Works, •with reference to the sum available for highway construction under provisions of Section 5A, Chapter 718, Acts of 1956. Chap. 718 Procedure has now been established to carry out Sec. 5A the Act and municipalities are to submit proposed projects for District approval. Project forms were enclosed to be submitted in duplicates for each in- dividual project, listing under remarks such details as sidewalks, shoulders, etc. The Chairman suggested as one of the projects the extension of Eldred Street, and Mr. Stevens said he thought it would link in very well with the State prolject of the proposed road at Wood Street. The Chairman also suggested sidewalks. Mr. Maloney left the meeting at 7:50 P.M. Mr. Stevens reported that a taking had been made in connection with the Tower Road drainage and firs. William Marshall was supposed to sign a release for $500. A release was also to be obtained from Mrs. Tower Road Canessa but it turns out that she died in 1950 and drainage the title is in her name. Mr. Peter Canessa does easements not have title in the land upon which he can give the town the grant. Mr. Stevens explained that he drew up an instrument whereby Mr. Canessa agrees to save the town from any damages and if the Board ap- proves, he will proceed on that basis. The Board had no objection. Mr. Stevens reported, for the Board' s information, Wallis Court that attorney for Mr. Hunt, Nathan Bidwell, cid ims not to have received any notice relative to the construction and acceptance of Wallis Court. Mr. Bidwell said 166 that neiPher he nor Mr. Hunt knew anything about it and did not know a taking had been made, and wants to know why it was laid out as a town way. Mr. Stevens re- ported that he gave Mr . Bidwell all the information on it and the Constable's return shows that a notice was left at Mr. Hunt's office. Mr. Stevens reported receipt of $25,000 left to Bequest the town by the late Maud Sherburne and said he would call the attorney and advise him that itshould& be sent to the Trustees of Publ±c Trusts. Mr. and Mrs. William Naudzun, 2620 Massachusetts Avenue, met with the Board. Mrs . Naudzun said she had received a bill in the amount of $475.18 for the con- Naudzum struction of Crosby Road and thought it was a substant- betterment ial amount to be taxed. She asked if she could get some allowance or have something done about it. The Chairman said that Mrs. Nudzum met with the Board before the Street was constructed and the est- imate of cost at that time was $1809.90. He explained that she was then advised that the Board was not sure whether the road was going to be accepted as a street or was going to be a private way for school purposes. He said that the Board did levy assessments against all the property on the street. He explained that the assessment levied against Mr. Nsudsun's property was the difference between a frontage of 90 feet on Massa.. chusetts Avenue and 179.32 feet on Crosby Road. Mrs. Naudzun asked how much her assessment was per Mot, and the Chairman said that the estimate was $7.50 per foot, but the actual cost was $5.32 per foot. much less than was anticipated. He said since the time construction was started, Mrs. Naudzun subdivided her property and sold a lot which she could not have done unless the road had been built. Mrs. Naudzun said that she would rather have kept the land. The Chairman pointed out that she received more money for the lot due to the fact that the street was constructed. He also explained that the betterment against the lot she sold was assessed to the new owner and she does not have to pay that. Mrs. Naudzun agreed. The Chairman said that the assessment Mrs. Naudzun is paying is the difference between the long side and the short side, the proceedure followed throughout the town on corner lots. 1 167 Mrs. Naudzun asked if the owner at the other corner has to pay and the Chairman replied that .assess- ments have been levied against all the lots on Crosby ` Road. 4 Mrs. Naudzun said it seemed like a lot of money and if she pays it over twenty years, it will double her tax bill. The Chairman said that she sold the lots in the rear which she would not have done if the street were not constructed. He recalled that at the time of the public hearing, Mrs. Naudzun made the statement that she wanted privacy and would not sell the land anyway. He ,said that the Board believes the assessment to be fair. .She asked if payment could be deferred and paid later. The Chairman replied that it could be apportioned. . Mr. Stevens explained that the betterment could be apportioned for ten or twenty years. If after paying for a, few years, Mrs . Naudzun decides she would like to pay it all, she could come in and pay the balance. He explained to her that there is no way of postponing payment without interest. Mrs. Naudzun asked if the betterment could be de- ferred for two or three years and Mr. Stevens replied in the negative. The Chairman said that the Board had discussed the subject before Mrs. Naudzun arrived at the meeting and it is the opinion of all those present that the better- ment is fair and no abatement can be made. He said he would discuss it with the other members of the Board but did not think the decision would be changed. Mrs. Maudzun asked how soon she would have to pay the betterment, and Mr. Stevens explained that unless she took some other action, the betterment would appear on her tax bill. It will be assumed that she is going to apportion it and it will be so handled, but she will have to pay interest. Mr. and Mrs. Naudzun retired at 8:25 P.M. Mr. and Mrs. Iver W. Skoog, 14 Bridge Street, met with the Board. Mr. Skoog Jaid he received a bill for $1,012.38 Skoog for the construction of Bridge Street. He said his betterment frontage is 200 feet and he would like to have the amount reduced as the street does not benefit him to that extent. The Chairman explained that street ,betterments are determined on so much per frontage foet, and Mr. Skoog has about 200 feet. He said that the estimated cost , for which Mr. Skoog did not sign, was $1,497.45 However, when the street was built the actual cost per 168 Cr9 foot was $5.07 which brought the assessment down to $1012.38. He explained that everyone on the street was assessed at the rate of $5.07 per foot. Mrs. Skoog said that the house on Payson Road and Bridge Street has forty or fifty feet and they will re- ceive as much benefit as she does. Mr. Skoog said that, as far as appearance goes, his lost value and the Chairman said that was a matter of opinion. He explained that a lot is more valuable on an accepted Street. Mr. Skoog said that actually there should have been a retaining wall built and the Chairman informed him that the town does not build retaining walls. However, the property is put back in its original condition. • Mr. Skoog said his property was not restored. Mr. James asked what be would like to have put back. Mr. Skoog said he would like to have the front of the land so he could take care of it. -Mr. Jar'es asked if he meant he: wanted the bank sloped and the driveway fixed and Mr. Skoog replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked if the Town would be going onto his property to slope it and Mr. Skoog replied in the affirmative The Chairman said if the Town does any work, per- missio will have to be obtained fust from Mr. Skoog to go onto his property. Mr. Skoog said he certainly would grant permission. Mr. Skoog said he just drives down a short distance and goes into his driveway. Tie Chairman explained that the Board has to con, sider the amount of benefit to the property and said that Mr. Skoog would realize more money for the property with an accepted street. He explained then the time comes to construct Payson Road, the people on the cor- ner will be assessed for that. Mr. Skoog said that aboizt half of the ttney was spent for drainapg ValleyfieIli_Road and the Chairman explained that funds for drainage were entirely sepa- rate. He said that $5.07 per front foot is a very good figure. Mr. Skoog said he could not maintain his property now as he could before. The Chairman said it could be taken care of but the Board is not in any position to make any change in the betterment. Mr. James explained that the Board its' governed by certain rules by the way of formula to assess betterments and has no choice in the matter. I 169 Mr. Skoog asked who to contact in the Spring rela- tive to his property and Mr. Gayer said he would dis- cuss the problem with him on the ground. Mr. and Mrs. Skoog retired at 8:L5 P.M. Mr. Stevens referred to Mrs. Cummings' offer to purchase lot 251 Wood Street and reported that he had received a letter from Mr. Burns some time ago rela- tive to this lot having an access to the new Wood Street. He said the owner would have to purchase a piece of land from the owner of the land on the north- Tax east corner of Wood Street. The Town could convey a title deed bounding it by old Wood Street. He suggested in- viting Mrs. Cummings in to meet with the Board so that there will be no misrepresentation as to what she would be getting. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to sign the following drainage easements prepared by Town Counsel: A portion of Ivan Street, a portion of Kendall Road, a portion of Manning Street, Drainage a portion of Justin Street, a portion of Tavern Lane, easements a portion of Payson Street and Grassland Street. ' Mr. Stevens retired at 9:10 P.M. Further consideration was given to letter received • from the Board of Assessors relative to request of Mr. Potter for an abatement of water betterment assessment levied against property owned by him and Mr. Charles E. Grove St. Ferguson on Grove Street. The Chairman explained the water situation by use of Plan 15980E, but it was decided to betterment invite Mr. Potter to meet with the Board to discuss the subject. The Chairman read a letter from Edward R. Sibley* 18 Eliot Road, relative to damage to the Munroe Depot station and surroundings. He also requested assis- tance in having the roadway to and from the station plowed when the streets are plowed and having a load Munroe of gravel dumped to fill in the low spots in the read- station way directly opposite the waiting room entrance door., Mr. James said that if damage is being done to the station, it is a matter for the railroad police, and as far. as the gravel goes, it is not a town way. Mr. Maloney returned to the meeting at 9:20 P.M. 170 N [�J The question arose as to who is responsible for the roadway and Mr. Maloney said he would obtain in- formation on the subject. Chief John W. Rycroft and Richard A. McInnis, applicant for police vacancy, met with the Board. The Chairman said that, inasmuch as all the mem- bers of the Board were unable to be present, it may be necessary to have Mr. McInnis in again next week. He asked why he wanted to become a policeman. Mr. McInnis replied that he has been interested McInnis in police work and was a Special Police. He said he applicant felt it was a position with a future, more so than for some positions, and he felt there was an opportunity Police Dept.to work one' s way up as time goes by. The Chairman asked what he did now at Hanson MacPheets and he replied that he is in the Parts De- partment but not as manager. The Chairman said he was classified as a disabled veteran and he understood that he had rheumatic fever. Mr. McInnis said it was diptheria which left him with headaches. He std they are called migraine but actually are not. The Chairman asked how much time he lost from his work due to the headaches and Mr. McInnis replied that he has never lost any time. The Chairman asked if he received disability, and he replied in the affirmative. The Chairman said that Mr. McInnis )(mew the rate of pay and asked if the change would beinancial hardship and he replied in the negative. Mr. Maloney asked how much disability he received, and he replied 10%. Mr. James asked if he worked for Rowe-Jackson and he replied in the affirmative and said he was with them for about six months. Mr. James asked why he left. Mr. McInnis replied that he was sick for three days with a cold and at the time was on a salary. The three days were deducted from his pay and when he inquired about it was told that he had too much time off.• He said he had worked for Mr. Frederick Johnson for many years without any time off. The Chairman asked how much notice he would have to give his present employer and he replied two weeks. The Chairman asked if night duty would make any difference and he replied in the negative. 1 1 `1 The Chairman said it may be necessary to ask Mr. Meinn.is tb meet with the Board nextlaieek when all the members would be present. Mr. Mclnnds retired at 9:40 P.M. Mr. Albert E. Loch, applicant for police vacancy, met with the Board. The Chairman explained that two members of the Board were absent and therefore it might be necessary to ask him to come in again next week. He asked why he wanted to become a policeman. Mr. Koch said that he would enjoy that type of work. The Chairman asked if he were presently working Koch applicant for Arlington Coal and Lumber Company. for Police Mr. Koch replied in the affirmative and said he Dept. has been there almost three years. The Chairman asked if he were in the service be- fore that and he replied int he affirmative. The Chairman asked if it compared with his pres- ent salary and he replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked about his physical condition and he said it was very good. The Chairman asked how much notice he would have to give and he replied that one week would be plenty. The Chairman asked if day or night duty would make any difference and he replied in the negative. Mr. Koch retired at 9:45 P.M. Mr. Kenneth Y. Cox, applicant for Police vacancy, met with the Board. The Chairman explained that two of the members of the Board were absent and therefore it might be necessary to ask him to come in again next week. He asked why he wanted to become a policeman. Mr. Cox replied that it is his life ambition. Cox The Chairman asked if he liked the type of work applicant and he replied in the affirmative. for Pollee The Chairman asked how long he had been with Dept Gould Motors and he replied about nine years. The Chairman asked if he felt he wanted to make a change and he replied that he would rather be in this type of work. The Chairman asked if he would be taking a cut in payandhe replied that it would not be too much. The Chairman asked if he were a veteran and he replied in the negative. The Chairman asked if night duty would make any difference and he replied in the negative. 172 The Chairman asked how much notice he would have to give and Mr. Cox replied he would like to give his employer two weeks, Mr. Cox retired at. 9:45 P.M. The Clerk was instructed to write the Division of Civil Service and request that the certificate be extended for a period of two weeks, The Chairman said that there are three men on the list interested in the appointment. He said it has occurred to him that if the Board votes to put an ad- ditional man on next March, there still would not be a list available. He mentioned for consideration putting on three men. now, He asked if there were suf- ficient money in the Personal Services Account if such a decision should be reached. The Chief replied that he would check it but felt certain there is. The Chairman mentioned that the requisition signed by the Board is for replacing two permanent n n and no requisition for a new man. The Chief agreed to go into the office and discuss the subject with Commissioner Greehan, Director of Civil Service. The Chairman referred to letter received some time ago from the School Committee relative to an additional policewoman for duty at the Maria Hastings School, and asked if there were a sidewalk up .there.. The Chief replied that there is a ,sidewalk going Sidewalks up Massachusetts Avenue on the left hand side, all the and police- way down to Bridge Street. women. The Chairman asked what he recommended. Maria The Wei' reported that he and Mr. Gayer went up Hastings one morning from before eight oaclock until quarter School to nine. There are about thirty children there and, in talking with the policewoman, he received a rather good account. He said he has no quarrel at all with putting on mare policewomen but at the moment he did not think that would solve the problem at the Maria Hastings School. He said if he puts on another police- woman at the corner of Paul Revere Road ,and moves the existing policewoman at the corner of School Street and Massachusetts avenue, it looks good, but the child- ren who come out Cedar Street have no more sidewalk than they have down at Paul Revert Road. He said that he took Mr. Gayer up there and asked if he could wing the snow from Crosby Road to Pa=ul. Revere Road and he 11 173 said he did no have a wing plow. The Chief said that he then asked fmthe scraper could push the snow back and Mr. Gayer said it could be done. He said that would be his recommendation for this winter be- caase he understands Mr. Gayer is going to ask for money to put a sidewalk in from Crosby Road to Paul Revere Road. He said if the Board insisted on an ad- sitional policewoman he would not stand in the way. The Chairman asked why the children won't cross the street there and the Chief replied that they come up the side where they have no sidewalk and the police- woman trains them. Mr . James asked how much it would cost to put in 200 feet of Sidewalk right now; just something to get the children off the highway. The Chief reported that he went down to the cross- ing at Locust Avenue and counted only four and seven Locust High School girls crossing. The same condition exists Avenue at Plainfield Street. He said if they were small child- crossing ren, it would present a different picture. Chief Rycroft retired at 10:10 P.M. The Chairman read a letter of thanks from Ernest Cutter for the Board' s decision relative to his sewer betterment assessment. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs . Dorothy P. Rich, Chairman of the Dental Clinic, requesting a transfer of $93.49. The shortage in the budget is based on unusually high printing expenses incurred Transfer for an explanatory brochure anal. the added expense of having a second dentist in t he clinic. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $93.49 from the Reserve Fund to the Dental Clinic Expense Account . The Clerk was instructed to forward a copy of Mrs . Rich's letter to the Approp- riation Committee. Application for a Certificate of Incorporation was received from Edward J. Cronin, Secretary of the Common- wealth, on behalf of Clifford F. Flack, 41 Outlook Drive; the corporation to be known as a Visiting Nursing Service Cert. of for the Christian Scientists in Northeastern Massachu- Inc. setts, Inc. Satisfactory character reference was re- ceived from the Chief of Police, 1 114 C: Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to sign the application. Application for a Certificate of Incorporation was Cert. of received from Edward J. Cronin, Secretary of the Common- Inc . wealth, on behalf of Mary Hayes Cornell, 72 Prospect Hill Road and Gaius R. Sampson, 46 Outlook Drive; the corporation to be known as West-of- Boston Visiting Nursing Service for Christian Scientists, Inc. Sat- isfactory character references were received from the Chief of Police. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. James it was voted to sign the applications. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Sanborn C. Brown, President of the League of Women Voters of Lexington, advising that past experience has shown that copies of the Town Report are often unavailable by Fall when one or another of the Committees find they need more. While this is not to be interpreted as a formal request, the League feels that the in- formation may be useful to the Board in deciding how many reports to order. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Sanborn C. Traffic Brown, Chairman of Precinct One, saying that he was light delighted to see the Board1s letter to Vernon Page relative to investigating the possibility of a pedes- trian traffic light at the East Lexington Fire Station and also a pedestrian light in the Follen Church area. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Grant B. Cole, Resignation resigning as Director of Civil Defense. Due to the press of his private business it is impossible for Mr. Cole to devote the tii necessary for this posi- tion. Letter was received from the Collector of Taxes, Abatements together with a list of ambulance charges that she would like the Board to abate so they can be removed from her books. The Clerk was instructed to place the item on the agenda for the next meeting. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll to Committee wffiioh was attached a copy of Article 45 as passed at the Adjourned Town Meeting held April 2, 1956. This vote created an additional Fire Station Com- 1 175 11 mittee and Mr. Carroll said in his letter that the Board of Selectmen being mentioned first, should Committee call the first meeting for the purpose of organizing. A ppointmert The Chairman read a letter from David A. Eberly accepted advising that he accepts the appointment as a mem- ber of the Personnel Advisory Committee for an un- expired term ending April 1, 1957. Notice was received from the Department of Nat- ural Resources Advising that a testimonial dinner will be given to Arthur` T. Lyman who is retiring Dinner on November 27th. The dinner will be held on Decem- ber 12th, 7:30 P.M. at the Sheraton Plaza Hotel. Items #22 through #26, hll tax title offers were held over for the next meeting of the Board. Upon motion. of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to sign an Order to lay out Ivan Ivan Street as a town way from Eldred Street northwesterly ap - Street proximately 380 feet. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to establish January 2, 1957 as the closing dates/tor articles to be submitted for in- Warrant sertion in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in March 1957. The Chairman said that there is an item of $400 in the 1956 Unclassified Account for printing the Carry Gereral By-Laws which obviously will not be done Over this year. It was unanimously agreed to request the Town Accountant to carry this amount over for 1957. The Planning Board would lilE to meet with the Selectmen and the Historic Sites Committeen at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, Dedember 22nd or Saturday December 29th. The Clerk was instructed to bring the subject up again at the next meeting of the Board. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M. A true record, Attest: 1-Executive ,Clerk,( Selectmen.