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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1955-06-28-BOS-min 112 cad SELECTMEN'S MEETING June 28, 1955 L regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday, June 28, 1955 at 7:00 P.M. Chairman Bateman, Messrs. Reed, Gay, Maloney and Jamba were present. Mr. Burns, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Clerk also present. Mr. Burns referred to the Chapter 90 Hill Street Hill Street project and reported that only two bids were received; onefor $11,984 and one for $13,305. The State esti- mated $7637. He explained that he had not heard anything until last week when he received a telephone call and was asked for an opinion. He then asked for a recommenda- tion and was told that it could be combined with John- son Road. He said the only thing he can do is go in and find out if there are any items that can be cut out of the contract which the Town could do. $e stated that his estimate was $10,000. The State had a figure of $7600 or $4300 difference. He said he could not make up the $4300 but would go along if he can make up $2000. He said if it is combined with Johnson Road it will be late and he would like to be able to state that the Board wants the work done now. Mr. Reed stated that the Town has the money but the State doesn' t. Mr. Burns was authorized to report that the Board of Selectmen definitely wants the work done on Hill Street. Mr. Burns brought up the subject of Wyman Road Wyman Road tainage and stated that in 1953 the Town was com- drainage bill mitted to Mr. Baskin and at the time the amount was discussed was $9,000. He reported that the bill for the entire job is $9,113.60. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to authorize Mr. Burns to put the bill through for payment, the money having been approp- riated. Supot. of Mr. Burns said that he would like to be released Public Works of his duties as of September 1st and stated that it has finally reached the stage where something has to be done one way or another. He said he has given the matter considerable thought and for all parties con- cerned it is better for this to come to pass. He 113 explained that there are a number of reasons, one the amount of work and further he would not forget this past Spring for a long time. Mr. Reed asked if he was making, two months the deadline and Mr. Burns replied in the negative. He said he would like, if possible to leave then, but he would not just walk out; He said he would have to have an understanding with the Board whereby he would have a little freedom to come and go. He stated that the various contracts required considerable work and he has worked with Whitman and Howard which makes it possible to get the work out quicker and requires hit to spend time in their office in town. As a result he has heard criticism to the effect that he has been neglecting the Town' s business, but that is not so. He bald that he has never slighted the Town in any way. The Chairman stated that the Board knows whether or not he has been honest and decided to back him last Spring. Mr. Burns said that as far as the work the Town now has is concerned, everything will be started be- fore long and will be fairly well along when he leaves. He said that the order for Worthen Road will not be signed tonight but he will get it going. He referred to the proposed parking area and said that as soon as the Board decides how the land is to be taken, if it is left to him and he is given authority to do it under separate contracts it will be done for the money available and done quickly. He stated that none of the Town pro- jects will suffer. Mr. Burns retired at 7:35 P.M. Mr. Stevens; Town Counsel, and Mr. Donald Irwin met with the Board. The Chairman stated that when the Board discussed tax title property located on Hillside Avenue, it was decided that it would not be desirable to have a num- Tax title ber of inexpensive houses constructed in the area. He property said that be told Mr. Irwin that inasmuch as he owned a large portion of the land and the Town `owned a large portion which he wants to purchase, he should discuss the matter with the Board. Mr. Irwin presented a plan entitled "Compiled Plan of Land in Lexington, Mass. , Scale 1" - 1. O' , May 17, 1955, Miller & Nylander, Civil Engineers". He said he has talked to Mr. Melody who previously indicated interest in purchasing two of the lots owned by the Town. Mr. Irwin explained that there are 37 tax title lots, 7 owned by him and 11 owned by others. 1 I cn Mr. Reed recalled that the Board is under ob- ligation to someone who wanted to purchase two lots down at the Baker Street end. Mr. Maloney asked if the lots could be put through Land Court as a group or if each individual lot would have to be put through separately. Mr. Stevens replied that it could be done either way and Mr. Irwin said that upon inquiry he was ad- vised that if the lots were contiguous it could be done as a group. However, this is actually two plans and his attorney thought there would be some question about it. Mr. Irwin said he was thinking about taking all the tax title land and getting a land decree on it. He said he made an offer which is just for the lots. However, before any decision is made it must be known what the Board and what he is thinking about. He said the size of the lots would have to be decided upon for one thing. The Chairman said that the Board does not want any fifty foot lots down there. Mr. Jamas said he thought the lots should con- form in general to the lot sues now in the area. Mr. Irwin said that most of the houses are built on 40 or 90 foot lots. Mr. Reed asked what he had in mind and Mr. Irwin replied that he would suggest a minimum of 75 feet and he thought the majority would end up larger than that. Mr. Stevens said he could only combine by adding to a whole lot. The Chairman said that it would be absolutely essential to have a sewer installed. Mr. Irwin asked if the Board was thinking about a completed street with drainage and sewer. He said he received a figure from Rupert Stevens of $22 per foot for everything, plus ledge, for a 21a foot road. Mr. Irwin asked if the Board was requesting who- ever purchased the land to install the sewer and pave the street or if it is something the Board would like to see done. Mr. Gay replied that he thought the purchaser should be required to do it. Mr. Reed said that if the lots are not sold to Mr. Irwin or he does not buy them they will eventually be purchased by individuals and the town will have to do the work'. The Chairman said that he could see no difference between this proposed development and a subdivision. Mr. Reed said that Mr. Irwin wants to purchase all the lots and if individuals purchase them subdivision 115 I regulations will not be required. The Chairman said that if this area is opened up, and these items are not put in, the Town will have to take care of them. Mr. Reed said that the answer to his question then is what Mr. Irwin wants to offer for the property. He will give everything the Board wants whereas individuals will nct. Mr . Irwin asked if, at the time papers were passed, a request could be made to have the street paved. In that way the private individuals owning land but who do not want to do business will have to pay betterments. He said. he could not see developing the street when he does not own 100 . Mr. Stevens said the street could always be con- structcd under betterments. By doing that, the advan- tage of selling the lots as a group is lost. I was agreed that Mr. Irwin would find out what he can do with the private owners in determining what they w 11 do about sewer installation and street con- struct on. M . Irwin retired at 8120 P.M. II M . Robert C. Johnson met with the Board. Tax title He stated that he came to Lexington in 1913 and property decided to buy the land in back of his property on Wood Street and it belonged to Blake. He had a law- yer chock the title and found it was not good. He said h wanted to build a garage in back of the house but co ld not get title. Mr. Couette thought the taxes hould be dropped. He was handling the Blake estate Mr. Carroll said that he had not foreclosed. He said his lawyer obtained permission from the Blakes to pay all the back taxes on the land so he could get a deed and before he received the deed he paid all the back taxes and interest. He said he had a deed for five lots in back of his house and three lots on the side. He said he received a tax bill and paid it and the property has been assessed to him ever since. He said that they took these eight lots out of the Blake land and assessed them to him. Two years later he wanted more land and his attorney obtained another deed from Mr. Blake for another parcel of lots, but he was hover assessed for these. He did receive a tax bill but it was for the entire parcel. . He said that he has repeatedly talked with Mr. Carroll and Mr. Cronin, and Mr. Carroll advised that he should not pay the taxes on the entire group and the Assessors should have taken his lots out of the group. Mr. Stevens recommended that Mr. Johnson have his attorney contact him and have no further discussions 116 CL either the Town Clerk or Assessors' office. Mr. Johnson retired at 8:30 P. M. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed, Land to Lex. it was voted to sign a deed, prepared by Town Counsel, Gelf Club conveying a certain parcel of land, being a portion of the so-called Poor Farm tract, to the Lexington Golf Club for $225 as authorized by vote of the adjour- ned Town Meeting held on March 28, 1955. Worthen Road Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Maloney, Order it was voted to adopt an order of taking of Worthen Road, accepted by Town Meeting on June 20, 1955. (Copy of Order in Selectmen' s files 1955 Highways - Worthen Road) . Mr. Stevens retired at 9:1j5 P. M. Letter was received from Guy W. Spuria, 1190 Tax title Waltham Street, advising that he is willing to pay property $861.62: for Lot 86, Farmhurst, Section 3, Kendall Road; the amount entertained by the Board of Which $162.21 is sewer betterment assessment. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to advertise the offer in the Lexington Minute Man, and give further consideration to the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Tax title Mr. Norman May's offer of $200 for lots 59 and 60, property Ivan Street, on behalf of Richard H. Soule, was held over. Tax title Further consideration was given to Ra1pivE. property Wesinger' s offer of $250 for lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 32, Avon Street. The Chairman reported that the engineers' plans 8 ow that lot 1 is all in the Route 128 taking. The Chairman was authorized to acquaint Mr. Wesinger with this information and request him to advise the Board if he is still interested in purchasing the lots. Use of hall Application was received from Nancy H. Martin, on behalf of the Lexington Choral Society, requesting permission to use Cary Hall on Sunday , December 11, 1955 from 7:00 P. M. until 11:00 P. M. for a concert. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to grant the use of the hall free of charge subject to janitors' fees. 117 Application was received from Mrs. Catherine D. Use of hall Phillips, on behalf of the Lexington Symmes Hospital Auxiliary, requesting permission to present two children' s plays in Cary Hall on the afternoons of February 9, 1956 and March 17, 1956. A letter accompanied the application explaining that the organization plans to present the Philadelphia group of players and there are only two open dates. Therefore, they must know in advance whether or not the hall will be available. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to grant the uses of the hall subject to a charge of 435 for each use. Application was received from Mrs. Nancy H. Martin, on behalf of the Lexington Choral Society, requesting Use of hall permission to conduct a concert in Cary Hall on Sun- day, December 11th. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Maloney, 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. Maloney, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Lance Cooper 118 Burlington Street Guide Lexington Theatre 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies Wal-Lex Motors 915 Waltham Street let Class Agent Bids were received for a two-door sedan to be Bids on used by the Lexington Police Department as follows: Police cars Frederic H. Childs - Mainline 6 cylinder Tudor Sedan, turn signals, heater, seat covers, and a 60 amp. generator with a Leece-Neville alternator. Net cost to town $1600 Rowe-Jackson Chevrolet, Inc. - Model 1502-Series 150-2 door sedan-6 cylinder, directional signals, seat covers, heavy duty generator and regulator, heater and defroster. Net cost to town $11475 Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to accept the low bid of $1475 submitted by Rowe-Jackson Chevrolet, Inc. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P. M. A true record: Attest. y / Clerk, S lectmdn /