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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1956-04-09-BOS-min 382cn CIA SELECTMEN'S MEETING ' April 9, 1956 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, April 9, 1956 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. Maloney, James, Tucker and Mrs. Morey were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, met with Repairs to the Board. Belfry He reported that a beam in the Belfry Tower has rotted away. Mr. Brenton, of the Park Department, and Mr. Irwin, Building Inspector, made an inspection and recommend that some repairs be made. The estimated cost is between $100 and $125, but there is no item in any budget to cover it. The Chairman asked if it appeared to be an emer- gency and Mr. Gayer replied that unless repaired, it will cause more damage. The Chairman inquired about Mr. Brenton' s budget and Mr. Gayer explained that he is running close. Mr. James suggested, and the Board agreed, that the beam be replaced and charged to Mr. Brenton' s bud- get and, if necessary, at the end of the year request a transfer to make up for the amount involved. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at the meeting at 7:35 P.M. Mr. gayer referred to letters from Mr. Oone.nbtin regard to certain lots owned by him and located on Conant lot Lincoln Street. He said that he checked into the sub- Lineoln St. ject and it is a matter for a private engineering con- cern, but since Mr. Bateman promised him it would be looked after he had John Carroll do some work on it and will have the information for Mr. Conant when he returns to Lexington. He can then take it up with a private engineering concern or his attorney. Mr. Gayer gave a brief report on the Associkton of Met. Water Member Communities of the Metropolitan Water District District and asked if it is something in which the town should AssIn. become involved. Mr. Stevens said that the idea of the association is all right. Mr. Gayer explained that the association has asked that one person and an alternate be appointed from Lexington who would have voting powers in any of the proceedings. 389 Mr. James said that since the association is already functioning, it behooves the Board to have a represen- tative and suggested Mr. Gayer as the member from Lexington with Mr. John Carroll as the alternate. The Board agreed unanimously. Mr. Edwin B. Worthen met with the Board and re- ported that the Isaac Cary Trustees would like to hang Painting the picture, Mews of Lexington" in the trustees room in Cary Hall with a heavier cord. It is now hanging in the confer- ence room. He also suggested that the painting "Lady Lexing- ton"' needed to be cleaned. Mr. Worthen retired, Mr. Gayer presented a plan entitled "Proposed Plan of Water on Ames Avenue", in connection with request for •water extension to include lots 496 and 1497 owned Water .by Mr. Arthur Johnson, 42 Baker Avenue. He stated that with him, it is a matter of trying to find out ■hat the Board would like to do. Personally, he would like to slow down on extending services. He said he thought the town should be putting mains in some of these streets if pose sible. He stated that it reaches the point where five or six houses are coming in on service and the people do not have to pay any betterment when the main is installed as they are already receiving water. He recommended in- stalling a main from Carville Avenue to Baker Avenue and said that he realizes there will be cases where it may be a hardship and people may not have water as soon as they want it. He said that he believes many of the vacant lots will have houses built on them if the water and sewer mains are installed. He said that he made the statement to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson that he thought it was too far to put in a service extension. They wanted assurance that if someone purchased one of these lots, a service would be run all the way down so that the house would have water. Mr. James asked if there were any services in there now and Mr. Gayer replied in the affirmative. He said that is what he is running into. Right across from these two lots there is a service. He pointed out the houses that do hate water extensions and explained that it has cut down the number of feet upon which betterments could be charged. Mrs. Morey asked if there was Just a service line running in the street and Mr. Gayer replied in the af- firmative. The Chairman said that the people pay the cost of putting the service in. 34 Vc CLI Mr. Gayer stated that in many areas the people have paid betterments and then paid for installing the service line in addition. The Chairman asked if the Board could charge betterments if the people already paid for a service. Mr. Stevens stated that it would be very diffi- cult to show that the value of the property had in- creased amd explained that with a main, it is the town' s responsibility to maintain it, but with a service it is not. Mr. Gayer said that the town does maintain water services up to the meter. The people pay for replace- ment of old pipe but not for a leak or when a pipe is frozen. Mr. Gayer explained that here he would put in a six inch main which would strengthen the system. Mrs. Morey inquired about the length and Mr. Gayer stated that it involves approximately 60Q feet. At present the charge on a betterment basis is $1.50 per foot frontage which would makes $3.00 per running foot for the abutter and $3.00 .for the town or a total of $6.00. He said if mains are put in, money must be appropriated for them. He said the only appropriation in the budget is for Webb Street. The Chairman said that there is some leeway in the figure for Webb Street. Mr. Gayer said he has another request on Chase Avenue. Mr. Frissore has a house already built and wants a long extension. He will need water and sewer both. It would not be too difficult to extend the sewer but it could take a sewer main and the town could charge betterments. The Chairman stated that the Board has not been authorizing sewers unless advised to by the Board of Health. Mrs. Morey asked if the Building Inspector checked before issuing a permit to determine whether or not water is available. Mr. Maloney suggested advising the builder that he will have to pay a substantial part of the cost of installing water. The Chairman said that the Board could not change a betterment if the builder puts in the water. Mr. Maloney said the Board could charge him at the betterment rate. The Chairman said that the builder could not be charged the entire cost as the people on the other side of the street would derive benefit. He suggested that Mr. Gayer find out what Mr. Frissore would go along with if the town put in the sewer. 385 Mr. James said that he would like a list of all these type of things as far as water is concerned. An appropriation could then be requested at the May Town Meeting. Mr. Gayer said that if Frissore wants water why not let him petition the Board of Selectmen and try to get some people interested in putting the water main in, and refuse the extension intohis house. The Chairman asked if he meant that the Board would refuse to grant the request for an extension of water service in the street and Mr. Gayer replied in the affirmative. The Board agreed to install a water main in Imes Avenue subject to the assessment of betterments. Mr. Gayer said that the next item is drainage in the area of the new High School upon which Mrs. Morey Drainage had requested some information. He presented a plan and explained the situation and briefly mentioned sug- gestions for relieving the condition to some extent. The 'Chairman said that Mr. Gayer should find out what Mr. Jackson, the. florist is doing, before making any decision. Mr. Gerald Gray, 1j9 Fern Street, met with the Board at 8:20 P.M. He stated that he had a sewer connection made to his house and the town required a deposit of $225 which he paid in September. The connection was made in Novem- ber after many telephone calls. He said that there is Sewer a charge of ten hours for a digger at $9.50 per hour. connection He said he wanted to. know where the time came from and charge why he was charged $9.50 when he found others who were charged $7.50. The Chairman explained that the $225 was an es- timate of what the service would cost and was not a deposit. The total amount was $186.93 and did not come to the estimated cost. He said that the time on the shovel did differ. Some people were charged $7.50 but in August the rate was increased. He ex- plained that the shovel is one hired by the town and the rates were increased to $8.50 per hour and a dollar extra for overtime on Saturdays. He stated that the work was done on a Saturday because, as he understands it, Mr. Gray kept after the department to connect the sewer and in order to comply with the request, it had to be done on a Saturday. He ex- plained that there are many requests all of which are placed on a list and done in order of receipt. Mr. Gray said he wanted to know where the ten hours came from. L - 386 0.1 The Chairman explained that there were eight plus hours on a Saturday and one and one-third hours on a Monday. Mr. Gray asked what the shovel was doing.. on Monday and the Chairman replied that he did hot know. The Chairman said that the estimate was $225 and the charge was $186. He explained that no charge was made for 44 0.4 0 overtime work on Saturday by the town men. The shovel was there ten hours between a Satur- day and a Monday. Mr. Gray said that the men did not know where to dig and he had to show them. The Chairman said that there must be some mistake as he. felt sure the men knew where to dig. Mr. Maloney explained that when a shovel is hired it goes on the job and remains there until the job is done. They will do a flat rate job, but when a shovel is hired it is paid for from the time it leaves the yard until the job is oomplete. Mr. Gray asked why people were not told they would be charged for overtime and the Chairman explained that it was included in the estimate. He said that in most towns the people have to hire a private concern to make sewer connections but the Board feels it is less ex- pensive -pensive for the town to do them. Mr. Gray asked if the Chairman felt he had been overcharged and the Chairman replied that, leased on the information he found, he did not think so. The Chairman asked when he received his bill and he replied January 15th. The Chairman asked when he wrote the Superinten- dent and he replied February 5th. Mr. Gray retired at 8:35 P.M. Mr. R Armond E. Lewis and Mrs. Cheever, of the Town April 19th Celebrations Committee, met with the Board. Mr. Lewis presented the Chairman with one copy of the proposed program for April 19th observance. An informal discussion was held relative to the celebration and the Liberty Bill. Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Cheever retired at 9:15 P.M. John W. Rycroft, Chief of Police, met with the Bids Board. Police Sealed bids for the purchase of three police Cruisers cruisers opened by the Chairman were as follows& Mawhinney Motor Sales 1-]L956 Plymouth Plaza 2 door 6 cylinder $2227.00 Directional signals, 40 Amp. Generator, Air foam & carrier springs front seat, 3 ( heater and defroster with separate defroster motor, transportation 25.5.00 2482.00 Less Federal Tax 1 8.50 2343.50 Allowance 1955 Ford 2 door 1114.3.50 Net 1200.00 1-1956 Plymouth Plaza 2 door 6 cylinder 2227.00 Accessories 255.00 21 12.00 Less Federal Tax 3]_ 8.50 23.50 Allowance 1954 Ford Sedan 18 . 0 Net 496.00 Frederic R. Childs 1956 - 6 cylinder Ford Mainline Tudor Equipped with twelve volt battery, turn signals, heater and defroster, seat covers, heavy duty generator, and heavy duty front seat Minus Federal Tax 2320.00 Allowance, 1954 Ford 1 20.00 Net 800.00 1956 - 6 cylinder Ford Mainline Tudor Equipped as above and minus Federal Tax 2320.00 Allowance 1955 Chevrolet 1270.00 Net 1050.00 1956 - 6 cylinder Ford Mainline Tudor Equipped as above and minus Federal Tax 2320.00 Allowance 1955 Ford 120.00 1050.00 Rowe-Jackson Chevrolet. Inc. 1956 Chevrolet, Model 1502 Series $1797.25 150-2 dr. Sedan, 6 cylinder Plastic seat covers, heavy duty generator & regulator 40 amp., airflow heater & defroster, heavy duty front seat & springs, heavy duty arm rest-vinyl covering, front & rear 19).70 1990.95 Less Federal Tax 125.00 1865.95 Allowance on 1954Ford 900.00 Net 965.95 388 1956 Chevrolet, Model 1502 Series 150-2 dr. Sedan, 6 cylinder 1797.25 Accessories _121122 990.9 Less Federal Tax 125.00 166 . .95 Allowance on 1955 Chevrolet 850.00 Net 1015.95 1956 Chevrolet, Model 1502 Series 150-2 dr. Sedan, 6 cylinder 1797.25 Accessories 193.70 1990.95 Less Federal Tax 125.00 166.5.95 Allowance on 1955 Ford 850.00 Net 1015.95 The Chief said that he would like to get three cars of the same make rather than take one of one make and two of another. Before making any decision, the Board would like an opportunity to look at the cars and obtain more informa- tioh. Chief Ryeroft retired at 9:30 P.M. Mr. Tucker reported that Robert Merriam called him Drainage about water overflowing down between his house and Mr. Granny Stewart's house and inquired as to whether or not he Pond could get some gravel dumped up there. Mr. Merriam said that they had trouble about twenty-five years ago and believes there will be more this year. He said Mr. Gayer pointed out that it is private property and the town cannot do anything. Mr. Tucker said that he is simply presenting the facts. Nor. Stevens asked if the bank had worn away or if it is just because this is an unusual year and Mr. Tucker replied that it is just an unusual year. The Chairman reported that in 1934 the Selectmen discussed a drain but the cost was excessive but gravel was dumped there and it must have taken care of the situation because there is no further record on the subject. Mr. Stevens said that actually the pond is privately owned. Mr. Tucker stated that the pond is owned by Mr. Sands and Mr. Stevens said that he could not see where the town has any obligation. Mr. Tucker remarked that the town then can't dnd will do nothing. 389 Letter was received from Judge Pierre A. Northrup re House Bill #2620 now pending before the Judicial Concord Committee. In his opinion the bill should be amended Court so as to include the District Court of Central Middle- sex among the full time courts. The Chairman explained that the subject was dis- cussed in 1954 at which time Senator Charles J. Innis was advised that the Board wished to be recorded as being in favor of having this particular court included in the list of full time courts. -No action was taken. Mr. Stevens presented a release for the Board to Release sign in connection with a claim for $334.90, damage to the police cruiser which is being paid for by this in- surance company. Mr. Stevens presented a release, Boston & Middle- sex Street Railway Company, in the amount of $103 for Release damage to the fence around Munroe Cemetery. He ex- plained that he checked and found that the fence has been repaired. Mr. Stevens also presented two petitions for leg- Legislation islation based on Town Meeting votes . One was submitted by the League of Women Voters and the other is in regard to a Historic Districts Commission: Mr.. Tucker reported that Mr. Potter, Chairman of Hours the Board of Cemetery Commissioners, informed him the other evening that no department heads had been con- tacted in re starting work at 8:30 A.M. and as far as the Commissioners are concerned, they will not askr the office help to work on the new hours. Mr. James said that his help is only part time so it does not apply to them. The Chairman explained that, according to the By- Laws, the Selectmen have no control over the Assessors or the Welfare Department. Mr. James said that as far as he could see there is nothing to be done about the cemetery department. Mr. Stevens retired at 10:05 P.M. The Chairman read a second letter from A. J. Covell, 67 Harlow Street, Arlington relative to water and sewer extensions to service 346 Massachusetts Avenue. Water & The Chairman asked if funds were available and Mr. sewer Gayer said that there is no money unless it is just taken extension out of the account. He said he would be willing to go along with whatever the Board decides. 390 sem. Mrs. Morey asked if this would be an. extension of a service or a main and Mr. Gayer replied that it is an extension of a main. Mr. Gayer was asked to acknowledge the letter, Another letter was received from the Lexington Field and Garden Club referring to the plot of land Curbing located at the intersection of Hancock and Revere Streets and Coolidge Avenue. If the town will pro- vide suitable curbing around this plot the Club has funds which might apply to decorative planting. Mr. James pointed out that the budget was re- duced by vote of Town Meeting and money is _not available for this. Mrs. Morey stated that the area is practically a rotary and the streets should be established at full width before installing curbing,. The Board is to view the area and consider the request next Monday. The Chairman read a letter from the State De- Sidewalks partment of Public Works regarding sidewalks on Route 2A. An estimate of cost will be prepared for the construction of sidewalks requested by the Board and-the-Beewd and the projects will be placed on the priority list. The work will be done at such time as funds become available. Request for Letter was received signed by Mr. & Mrs. Cogswell, street 4 Smyth Street and Mr. & Mrs. Campbell, 5 Smyth Street, construction requesting the town to construct and maintain Smyth Street from Charles Street to Sutherland Road. It was decided to have an estimate of cost prey pared for signatures and consider the request in the 1957 budget. Mr. Gayer retired at 10:15 P.M. Invitation The Chairman read a letter from the New England Telephone and Telegraph company inviting the Board to attend an Open House to be held April 17th and 18th from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the new dial office on Waltham Street. April 19th The Chairman read a letter from the Battle Green sale permit Chapter, Order of D®Molay requesting permission to sell ice cream April 19th on Massachusetts Avenue between Grant Street and Slocum Road from shoulder boxes carried by members of the Chapter. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to grant the request. 391 Letter was received from the Middlesex County Selectmen's Association relative to a conference on Flood flood control in the Assabet and Concord River areas, control to be held April 12th at the Red Coach Grille, Wayland at 7:00 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Miss Katherine Harrington, 1881E Massachusetts Avenue, requesting per- mission to park her car on Clarke Street. She also Parking requested permission for service men rooming at her house to park on Massachusetts Avenue all night. Inasmuch as the Traffic Rules and Regulations prohibit parking on the easterly side of Clarke Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Raymond Street and also make it unlawful for the driver of any vehicle, other than one acting in an emergency, to par); on any street for a period of time longer than one hour between the hours of 2:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M., the request was denied. Further consideration was given to the two offers received for the purchase of tax title lots 30 and 31 Tax title Hillcrest Street. The Chairman was authorized to advise that per- mission will have to be obtained from the Board of Appeals before a house can be constructed and that the Board will file an application for a hearing pro- viding they are still interested in acquiring the lots. Letter was received from the Lexington Minute-Man requesting a copy of the Selectmen' s weekly agenda to Agenda make possible more adequate reports of the meetings. Mr. James said that there/i9gfs listed on the agenda that should not be given out at that particular time. It was decided to give Mr. Adams a copy of this evening' s agenda and ask him to submit a sample of what he would publish. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Permit Morey, it was voted to grant the St. Brigid' s Holy Name Society permission to locate a refreshment stand on Emery Park April 19th. Letter was received from the Lexington Boys ' Club, Inc. requesting permission to locate a refreshment Permit booth on that portion of the Barnes property adjacent to the Club on April 19th. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to grant the request. A telephone call was received from Dr. John E. Paper Murray requesting permission to conduct Archbishop drive 392 Cushing' s paper drive in Lexington on Sunday, May 13th. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Tucker, it was voted to grant the request. Letter was received from Rev. Harold T. Handley, Paper on behalf of the Church of Our Redeemer, requesting drive permission to conduct a paper drive on Sunday, April 22nd. Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to grant the request. Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to sign application for Certificate of In- Cert . of corporation on behalf of Maurice F. Shaughnessy, 19 Inc. Wheeler Road, et als; satisfactory character references having been received from the Chief of Police. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Tucker, Uses of it was voted to grant the following uses of halls: halls Town Meeting Members Assn. Conf. Rm. Apr. 12 Meeting Sun Valley Kindergarten Estabrook June 3 Closing Exercises Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, Licenses it was voted to grant the following licenses: I exingtbn Cab Co. 11 I epot.Sq. P .bi c d'ame' )renewal Minute .Man Cab. :{i0. fr Depot Sq* ,Paelinc Carrigige 't Pine Meadow Golf Club 232sCedar St. --C®9 mon Vict. Manor SpA' 269 Bedford S'tt{ 5und&'Y- Sales Q'orner 'Variety Shop 856 Mass': .Av€.n N5undiVSales Woodhaven Country .3tori 424 Mara ett Rd :5 $ ales ' Salvation Army , 7 Ilernen Sta, .Bostievr4unk Cd`llector " Lexington The-Ord ,1794 M'ass. .IIrre.»' (hinds, 'tMdvi'e's The Chairman reminded the Board that the Town Cele- Committee brations Committee will have to be appointed according to the vote adopted at the Adjourned Town Meeting. It was agreed to defer action until after the 19th of April celebration. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to re-appoint the following individuals to Appointments serve on the Board of Public Welfare and Old Age Assis- tance Bdreau for terms expiring March 31, 1957: Harold F. Lombard, John A. Sellars, Howard H. Dawes and Robert K. Taylor. 393 The Chairman was authorized to contact Mr. Elmer E. Houdlette to determine whether or not he will serve as an Associate Member of the Board of Appeals. It was unanimously agreed to request the Package Package Goods stores to remain closed all day April 19th and Stores during polling hours on April 24th. The Chairman said that he thought the Board should Parking on consider amending the Traffic Rules and Regulations to Bedford St. include no parking on either side of Bedford Street from Schragle Motors to beyond the First National Store. The Chairman was instructed to request the Chief to submit his recommendations on the subject for con- sideration by the Board. Mr. James suggested asking the Chief to formulate what he would like and then invite the people in the area to meet with the Board for a discussion of the subject. Mr. Tucker suggested consideration be given to the Parking elimination of parking on Massachusetts Avenue in front of the Central Block and the Hunt Block. Mr. James reported that Mrs. Olford, Reed Street, called him yesterday. She said that the sewer was go- ing along Myrtle Street and was changed to Avon Street and she has 135 foot frontage. The Chairman said that there would be no assess- ment. Mr. James reported he had so advised her. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 P.M. A true record, Attest: / / o ecivelerk, 1S elect . I