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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1955-09-06-BOS-min 151 SELECTMENtS MEETING September 6, 1955 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, Tuesday evening, September 6, 1955 at 7:00 P.M. Chairman Bate- man, Messrs. Gay, Reed, James and Maloney were present. Mr. Burns, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. Mr. Burns said that he would like to pay vacation Vacation money, to which the late George Harrington was entitled pay to this year, to Mrs-. Harrington. He stated that he had widow been in the employ of the Town for thirty-one years and he felt his widow could use the money. The Board had no objection. Mr. Burns reported that the trees on Pleasant Bid for Street are in very bad condition, but due to work on work on the Dutch elm, both public and private, it is im- trees possible to do anything and he will have to have out- side help. A bid was received from Mead to do the en- tire job for $1150. The only other bid was from Bryan and it was up around $2300. Mr. Burns explained that he has funds available and the work would be started right away. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Mr. Burns to accept the bid of $1150 sub- mitted by Mead. Upon. motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Gay , it Chap. 90 was voted to sign Memorandum of Agreement for Chapter 90 maintenance, Spring Street. Letter was received from James J. Flynn, 8 West- ,y,=qu. for wood Road requesting the Town to plait trees and place trees & traffic signs on the road. The Chairman was authorized signs to advise Mr. Flynn that the Town cannot grant either request because the road is a priv&Ae way. However, the people may erect signs themselves/if they so desire the Board will consider an application to have the road accepted at the next Annual Town Meeting, provided all legal requirements have been fulfilled. The Chairman read a letter from Alfred P. Tropeano, Complaint attorney for Dominic Iovino, re holes in Winter Street which he claimed are the result of condition existing 152 Complaint due to the installation of a water main. Mr. Burns reported that the condition has been corrected and he has so advised Mr. Tropeano. Mr. Gay presented a letter from George D. Smith, 12 Locust Avenue, stating that during rain storms the I Locust Ave. water settles at numbers 11 and 12, creating a dangerous drainage condition. Mr. Smith complained that cars coming down the hill cut through the water and cause it to toll over the sidewalk, lawn and front steps, bringing in dirt and mud. Mr. Burns explained that the water cannot be elimi- nated from Locust Avenue unless the street is raised three or four feet. He recalled that he has had this particular item in his budget for the past five or six years but it has never been approved. The complete solu- tion is a drain down to Massachusetts Avenue to pick up the drain at Joseph Road. He said that he is presently working on a temporary solution by getting permission from Mr. Earl to go through his land with a pipe. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at the meeting at 7:30 P.M. Borrowing Letter was received from Mr. Carroll, Town Treasurer, dated August 30th, advising that it would not be possible to go through with the loan for the parking area due to the fact that the attorneys have requested more information. The Chairman reported that he discussed the sub- ject with Mr. Carroll on September 1st and was informed that the borrowing would be made, but that it should be for $70,000. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to rescind the vote adopted on August 29, 1955 requesting the Town Treasurer to obtain bids on borrowing $50,000 for the acquisition of land for the off-street parking area. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to request the Town Treasurer to obtain bids on borrowing of $70,000 for the acquisition of land for the off-street parking area. Notice was received from the City of Waltham re Hearing hearing to be held September Ili, 1955 at 8:00 P.M., Council Chambers City Hall, on petition for proposed change of zone from Residence A-3 District to Limited Commercial District of a certain parcel of land in the area northerly of the Waltham-Lexington boundary line. No action was taken. 153 Letter was received from Mrs. Florence R. Russell, 7 Oak Street, complaining about junk and burning on property owned by Arthur Fields and located at the Complaint corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Oak Street. The Chairman read a report from the Building In- spector describing conditions as he found them on September 2nd. He wrote both Mr. Fields and Mr. Neadowsc notifying them of the complaint and inform- ing them that a junk yard as such is not permitted in the Town and that the materials in the yard, ap- parently junk, will have to, be removed. The Chairman said that he would go down to the property with Mr. Irwin to check within a week, but Town Counsel advised that this is a problem for the Building Inspector to follow up. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign contracts, prepared by Town Counsel, between Eng. Con. the Town of Lexington and Whitman & Howard, Inc. for signed engineering services in relation to construction of Worthen Road; the rate 10% of the total cost of con- struction. Mr. Stevens referred to the off-street parking area and reported that he has signed agreements with all the property owners involved in the reduced area approved by Town Meeting, with the exception of MacKay. He stated that there has been a delay because the borrowing has not been approved by bond counsel. Mr. Stevens has talked to Mr. Carroll, Town Treasurer, and bond counsel and believes it will be approved this week. However, no Order of Taking should be adopted until the letter is delivered to the bank. At 8:15 P.M. Mr. Joseph Napoli, 39 Wood Street, met with the Board. He said that he would like to state a grievance and call the Board' s attention to a situation he thinks is very dangerous. About one month ago Mr. Napoli com- McLaughlin went to the Board of Appeals and obtained plaint re permission to build a house across the street. Mr. McLaughlin Napoli did not object at the time but when Mr. McLaughlin dug the cellar hole he took the fill and placed it on the sidewalk, the town way. He has crowned it in an attempt to create a front yard where he had no front yard. Now there is no place to put the snow and the children are trapped with no place to go from the traffic. He reported that Mr. McLaughlin buried the hydrant for three days and Mr. Napoli uncovered it 154 himself. He spoke to Mr. McLaughlin and asked him to move it and he said he would when he got ready. Mr. Napoli said that he has been upstairs but as yet no action has been taken. Mr. Gay asked if there is a sidewalk there and Mr. Napoli replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked if Mr. McLaughlin was making a permanent grading and Mr. Napoli replied that he could not get an answer from Mr. McLaughlin, but equipment is gone. He said that even if the situation is only temporary and he requires the fill, which he doubts, he should put it some place else. He said he was requesting the Board to withdraw Mr. McLaughlin' s building permit until such time as he removes the fill. The Chairman said that the Board would take action within twenty-four hours. Mr. Napoli retired at 8:25 P.M. and the Chairman said that he would discuss the subject with the Build- ing Inspector. The Chairman read a letter from the Division of Plumbing Civil Service asking the Board to disregard letter of Inspector August 19, 1955 and giving authority for the additional employment of John J. Byrne, Jr. , as Plumbing, Inspector, part-time in Lexington, inasmuch as he is a permanent part-time Plumbing Inspector in Winchester. The open competitive examination for Plumbing Inspector has been cancelled. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to appoint John J. Byrne, Jr. permanent part-time Plumbing Inspector at a salary of $60 per week. Certificate of Incorporation was received from the Secretary of the Commonwealth, on behalf of Eliot Cert. of W. Eames, 115 Burlington Street, Arthur G. Mitchell, Inc. 54 Ledgelawn Avenue, Richard E. Rec1ard, 93 Adams Street, Charles W. Campbell, 44 Greenwood Street, K. Paul Yphantis, 45 Ledgelawn Avenue, Claude A. Cole, 47 Ledgelawn Avenue, Nathan C . Hubley, Jr. , 25 Ledge- lawn Avenue and Burton C. Mitchell, 3j Bernard Street; said corporation—to be under the name of North Lexington Baptist Church, Inc. Satisfactory character references having been re- ceived from the Chief of Police, Mr. Gay moved that the application be signed. Mr. Reed seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Board of Public Wel- fare requesting approval of an expenditure in the Transfer amount of $105 from a Trust Fund to pay for hospitali- zation of John W. Walsh, 149 Bedford Street. Mr. Walsh 155 receives a small pension but has no funds in reserve Transfer to pay for hospitalization. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to request the Trustees of Public Trusts to approve a transfer of $105 from one of the Trust Funds. Further consideration was given to Mr. Louis Carota' s offer of $100 each for lots 111} and 145 Tarbell Avenue, Lexington. A proposal to sell these lots was Tax title advertised in the September 1, 1955 issue of the Lex- property ington Minute-Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen' s fi Office as a result of the advertisement. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to sell and convey lots 111; and 145 Tarbell Avenue to Louis Carota for $100 each, the deed to be drawn to include a restriction that no building may be erected on either lot separately or combined. Letter was received from Ralph J. Frissore, 16 Webb Street, Lexington offering $5,000 for lots 2143-2148 in- Tax title elusive, B.dbur '-Street and Iota°579-584iriclusite,,Edha property Streets Mr1 Frissore statedin his letter that he-would install necessary -water lines on both streats for the homes to be constructed; and further that he will not build on these lots until such time as sanitary sewer is available for connection. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to advertise a proposal to sell these lots in the Lexington Minute-Man and that further considera- tion be given the offer at another meeting of the Board. Letter was received from Joseph F. .Fitzgerald, Tam title 32 Hillcrest Avenue, offering $200 for lots 187-190 property inclusive on Hillcrest Avenue. The Board will view the property before making any decision on the offer. Further consideration was given to Francis Keefe' s letter requesting abatement of street better- ment assessment int tihe amouht of $231.20 levied against property owned by Its. Mary M. Simons and being Lots 25 and 26 Bartlett Aven0e. The Bo rd felt that at some future date the owner could possibly purchase a parcel of land adjacent to her property which would make a building lot and once the assessment is abated, the town could not collect. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Keefe that if his client would like to have the time for payment deferred, without interest, until the land or any part thereof is built, sold or until the expiration 1 c~� of three years from the date of such deferment, which- ever event occurs first, the Board will consider the subject further. Further consideration was given to letter re- ceived from the Collector of Taxes in re list of Ambulance ambulance charges. bills The Chairman reported that Mr. Collins, Welfare Agent, had gone over the list and indicated those that, in his opinion, are uncollectible. He was authL.orized by the Boardtto contact the Tax Collector and instruct her to turn the other accounts over to the Deputy Collector. Use of hall Application was received from the Lexington Post, #3007 V.F.W. requesting permission to conduct a dance in Cary Hall on September 114th from 8:00 P.M. until midnight. No admission will be charged as this is an activity for the soldiers stationed at Bedford Air Base. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to grant the use of the hall free of charge, subject to a fee of $1.50 per hour for janitor's over- time services. Application was received from the Stanley Hill Use of hall Post, American Legion, for permission to conduct In- stallation Services in Cary Hall on Saturday, Septem- ber 17th from 7:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to grant the use of the hall free of charge, subject to a fee of $1.50 per hour for janitor' s over- time services. Upon motion of Mr. .Reed, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to sign the Lexington Theatre Sunday Movie License. Resignation The Chairman read a letter from John M. Biggs, addressed to Mr. Charles E. Ferguson, Moderator, ad- vising that the pressure of business and professional activities make it impossible for him to continue as a member of the Appropriation Committee and he was therefore resigning, effective immediately. Generator The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Firs Commissioners advising that the following quotations had been, received for an auxiliary generator for the Central Fire Station: L 157 Gorham Fire Equipment Co. X2,175 Generator J. H. Westerbeke Corp. 1,965 Fairbanks-Morse 1,580 Alan Painter, $1,720 less 20% 1,376 Upon motion of Mr. Maloney seconded by Mr. James, it was votbd to accept the low bid $1,376 submitted by Alan Painter. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Reed, Election it was voted to appoint the following election officers officers for terms expiring CberT1,N1w56: Charles J. Dailey RE Warden 28 Bow Street John D. Barry Deputy Warden 22 Bow Street Joseph P. Waddleton Inspector 15 Norton Road Marie Mahoney Deputy Itapector 19 Byron Avenue George E. Foster Inspector 10 Plainfield Street Gaetano Buttaro Deputy Inspector 837 Massachusetts Avenue Ilda J. Field Clerk 20 Chase Avenue Catherine B. Fisher Deputy Clerk 3 Plainfield Street Mary A. Rowland Teller 1148 Lowell Street Rose I. McLaughlin Teller 88 Oak Street George F. Stygles Teller 65 Oak Street George D. Smith Teller 12 Locust Avenue Helga M. Carlson Teller 82 Fottler Avenue 158 rad Mary E. Clifford- Teller ' 54 Chase Avenue Gwendoline Johnson Teller 142 Baker Avenue Annie H. McDonnell Teller 7 Curve Street PRECINCT TWO William W. Ferguson Warden 6 Belfry Terrace Ralph I. Dale Inspector 1610 Massachusetts Avenue Randall W. Richards Inspector 67 Farmerest Avenue Merrill Y. Papen Deputy Inspector 9 Hilltop Avenue Louise Ahern Clerk 15 Mutey Street Margaret Ballous Deputy Clerk 332 Concord Avenue Edward McGrory Teller )16 Parker Street Mary G. Oliver Teller 610 Waltham Street Elizabeth F. Downey Teller 4 Farmcrest Avenue Henry P. Meade Teller 1505 Massachusetts Avenue Mary S. H. Ellis Teller 188 Waltham Street Beatrice F. Morse Teller 1 Vine Brook Road Dorothy K. Parker Teller 9 Forest Street 159 Eleanor T. Husted Teller 36 Kendall Road PRECINCT THREE Emma Zitso Warden 65 Williams Road James T. McGann Deputy Warden 11 Utica Street Ella G. Callahan Inspector 311 Bedford Street Margaret E. Collins Deputy Inspector 160 Woburn Street Rosalie MacDonald Inspector 8 Sheridan Street Jean E. Baker Deputy Inspector 38 Fletcher Avenue Edna D. Anderson Clerk 11 21 Leonard Road Milton F. Hodgdon Deputy Clerk 36 Hayes Avenue Julia Vaughan Teller 5 Cottage Street Muriel S. Williams Teller 9 Sheridan Street Clarence E. Delp Teller 18 Dexter Road Ethel M. Rooster1 a ler T 16 Gleason Road Dorothy 61. Parks Teller 10 Fletcher Avenue Elizabeth Fardy Teller 140 Preston Road Joseph 0. Rooney Teller 51 Grant Street Florence M. Bruce Teller 126 North Street 160 04 PRECINCT FOUR Lester L. Andrews Warden 1 Hill Street Margaret H. Cook Deputy Warden 11 Wachusett Drive Helen M. Smith Inspector 170 Wood Street Mary E. Gowen Deputy Inspector 73 School Street Helen M. Kirk Inspector 2142 Massachusetts Ave. Mary J. Ferry Clerk 50 Downing Road Carroll J. Ryan Deputy Clerk 10 Bedford Street Michael J. McDonough Teller 1993 Massachusetts Avenue Mary A. Spellman Teller 2h, Shirley Street Caroline F. Deloury Teller 99 Spring Street Sally S. Hooper Teller 282 Bedford Street Eleanor M. Cosgrove Teller 307 Wood Street Mary A. Hallett Teller 2270 Massachusetts Avenue Ingrid M. Newhall Teller 3h Eaton Road Agnes Hall Teller 7 Lake Street I 161 J' The meeting adjourned at 905 P.M. A true record, Attest: rri¢, S1// 7 t