HomeMy WebLinkAbout1954-07-26-BOS-min a
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
July 26, 1954
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday evening, July 26, 1954 at 7:00 P.M. Chairman
Reed, Messrs. James and Maloney were present. Mr.
Burns, Supt. of Public Works, and the Clerk were also
present.
Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the
Board for the drawing of one juror. Mr. Thomas Juror
Corcoran, electrician, 91 Woburn Street, was drawn.
Mr. Carroll retired.
Mr. Burns presented a list of street lights to
be approved, totalling 53 including all requests as of
this date, and explained that a small margin is left
which would take care of two or three more.
Mr. Maloney stated that he had received a re-
quest for the location of a light at the corner of
Lisbeth Street.
Mr. James said that people in the vicinity of
the intersection of Blake and Preston Roads had men-
tioned to him that they would like a light in this Street
location. lights
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was
voted to approve the following list of street lights:
Rowland Avenue 1 - 1,000 lumin
Gleason Road 1 - 1,908
Eldred Street 1 - 1,000 "
Grove Street 1 - 1,000 "
Lisbeth Street
Summer Street
Blake & Preston Roads
Ballard Terrace 4 - 1,000
Williams Road 14 - 1,000 "
Castle Road Nb poles
Peachtree Road Full street is li*hted
Scotland Road " " "
Appletree Lane " " " "
Peartree Drive " " " "
Lantern Lane 4 - 1,000 lumin
Philip Road 1 - 1,000 "
Hutchinson Road 3 - 1,000 "
Webster Road 14 - 1,000 "
Benjamin Road 5 - 1,000 "
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Barberry Road 2 - 1,000 lumin
Minute Man Lane 6 - 1,000 "
Battle Green Road 4 - 1,000 "
Patterson Road 5 - 1,000 "
Calvin Street 1 - 1,000 "
Longfellow Road 4 - 1,000 "
Hawthorne Road 2 - 1,000 "
The Chairman read a letter from Brewer & Lord
with reference to the fire insurance rate as affected
Fire by the Maria Hastings School. Due to the wood roof,
insurance unprotected lally columns and the large proportion of
increased glass windows, the rate will be approximately $2.08
per thousand annually as against 61.29 per thousand on
the Fiske School. The townts fire insurance schedule
will be increased approximately $1,316.42 for five
years or $263.28 annually.
Petition, signed by eleven residents of
Hancock Street, was received registering protest against
the removal of a large elm tree at the junction of
Revere Street and Quincy Avenue.
Mr. Burns explained that water and sewer could
Tree be installed whether the tree is there or not. He
removal said, however, that whatever is put around the tree will
kill it and if the enclosure is large enough, it will
interfere with cars passing, and hot top will event-
ually kill it.
Mr. Maloney said that he did not think the tree
should be left in the middle of the street and he felt
it would create a traffic hazard.
Before making any decision, the Board is to view
the location and then instruct Mr. Burns as to what
action is to be taken.
The Chairman read a letter from John F. and
Evelyn Paratore requesting the installation of a hot top
Req. for sidewalk at 11 Berwick Road.
sidewalk Mr. Burns explained that he does not have money
available and suggested that Mr. Paratore submit his
request which could be included in next year's budget.
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. J. Yntas,
40 Moreland Avenue, requesting extension of water main
to service a small cottage on Rockville Avenue.
Req. for The Chairman was authorized to advise Mrs. Yntas
water that there are no funds available at the present time,
but if she can obtain a petition signed by the property
owners requesting the installation of the water main,
the project will be considered when the budgets for
1955 are prepared.
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Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr.
James, it was voted to sign contract between the State hill Street
of Massachusetts and the Town of Lexington for Chapter Contract
90 construction, Hill Street. signed
Copy of letter was received from C. M. Sullivan,
Captain, USN. to the Bedford Board of Selectmen in
regard to tapping the government-owned line supplying
water from the Town of Lexington to the Raytheon Man- Water
ufacturing Company for the purpose of providing water USN.
to five dwellings in the Tilden Street South Road area.
Mr. Burns explained that Lexington supplies
Raytheon from a pit at Westview Street and we have no
part in this at all. Raytheon will be billed for the
water.
Notice was received from the Town Clerk re claim
for damages filed by Mt. Vernon Motor Transportation
Company. A company truck was run against by a tree Claim
hanging low over and across Marrett Road.
Mr. Burns reported that this is a State highway
and Mr. Stevens is aware of the facts.
Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr.Maloney,
it was voted to sign an Order for the installation of Sewer
a sewer in Lowell Street from Maple Street to Bartlett Order
Avenue. (Copy of order in 1954 Selectmen's Files
under Sewer Orders. )
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at the
meeting at 7:40 P.M.
Discussion was held relative to the dump on
Lincoln Street and upon motion of Mr. James, seconded
by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to adopt the folldneing
Rules and Regulations governing the operation of the
Town Dump on Lincoln Street:
RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE BOARD OF
SELECTMEN GOVERNING THE OPERATION OF THE TOWN DUMP ON
LINCOLN STREET IN LEXINGTON
Pursuant to the power conferred on the Board of
Selectmen by the General By-Laws of the Town, and every
other power them thereto in any way enabling, the
Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lexington hereby adopt
the following rules and regulations governing the opera-
tion of the Town Dump situated on Lincoln Street in
Lexington:
1. The dump shall be open daily between the hours
of 7:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M., and the placing or depositing
of any material in or about the dump, except during the
O
Coaforesaid hours, is prohibited. No person, unless
expressly authorized, is permitted within the dump
during the hours that it is closed.
2. The lighting of any fire in the dump and
the placing of any combustible material on any fire
that may be burning in the dump is expressly prohibited.
3. No material is to be placed or deposited by
any person in such portion or portions of the dump as
may be marked by signs indicating that dumping in those
areas is not permitted.
1. . No garbage, offal or offensive material shall
be placed or deposited in or about the dump.
5. The dump is maintained for the deposit of
ashes, cinders, papers, and other refuse and rubbish
originating within the Town of Lexington, and the
dumping or depositing therein of any material origin-
ating outside of the Town of Lexington is prohibited.
6. The penalty for violation of these rules and
regulations is a fine not exceeding $20.00 for each
offense.
7. These rules and regulations shall become
effective on August 1, 1954.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
Messrs. Stevens and Burns retired at 8:07 P.M.
Mr. J. Edward McManus, 225 Russell Street,
Everett, who submitted a bid of 65 for Lot 3, Block
91, Essex Street, met with the Board.
The Chairman explained that another offer had
been received from a Mr. Waldo who explained that he
wanted this lot and two others for protection. He
Tax title asked Mr. McManus to explain his reason for wanting
property to acquire this land.
Mr. McManus stated that this lot is essential
to him in his plans to build a house and said that he
owns lots one and two. He said he would also like to
obtain lot four, not owned by the town.
The Chairman said that lot four is in the
process of being foreclosed and the Assessors could
tell the name of the owner if Mr. McManus wanted to
try and acquire it.
The Chairman said that if the Board decides to
sell lot 3 to Mr. McManus it is to be definitely un-
derstood that he will pay for putting the water in.
1
4100
li Mr. McManus said that Mr. Burns had advised
II him that there was no money available to cover the
cost of water installation and he said that he would
be willing to pay for it.
The Chairman explained that if the Board does
decide to sell the lot, it will have to be advertised.
Mr. McManus retired.
Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr
Maloney, it was Voted to entertain an offer of $100 for
this lot.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Worthen ad-
vising that the lettering on the tomb of Rev. John
HancockRelettering
and Rev. Jonas Clarke is nearly obliterated.
He has discussed the subject with others and a plan old
may be worked out whereby a private individual will tomb
assume 1/3 of the cost and the Historical Society a//,
providing the Town will assume the other third.
It was agreed to ask Mr. Burns to obtain an
estimate of cost for relettering the tomb.
Copy of letter from Mr. Jackson to Mr. Carroll
was received in which Mr. Jackson advised that he Resignation
will resign as Health Sanitarian effective September
15, 1954. Mr. Jackson has applied for acceptance at
the Graduate School of the University of Massachusetts
as a Food technology major.
Application was received from the Lexington
Lions Club requesting permission to conduct the Annual
Merchants ' Exhibit in Cary Memorial Hall on October Use of
26, 27 and 28 from 6:30 P.M. until 10:30 P.M. ; also hall
Sunday, October 24th to set up the exhibits and
Saturday, October 30 to take them down.
Application was also received from the Lexing-
ton United Nations Committee for permission to conduct
a meeting in Cary Hall on Saturday, October 23rd from
8:00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M.
The Clerk raised the
question of janitor's fees
for preparing the floor after use by the United Nations
group for use by the Lions Club.
The Chairman agreed to contact Mr. Rochette, Janitors
custodian, and try to find out more details about the fees
overtime work that will be necessary and then deter-
mine which group is to be charged.
Both uses of the hall were granted free of charge.
11Mr. John Bruechi, 63 Paul Revere Road, met with
the Board and complained about sewage flowing onto his
property.
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The Chairman explained that the Selectmen have
no jurisdiction over the matter and it would have to be
Brucchi discussed with the Board of Health.
complaint The Chairman informed Mr. Brucchi that if he
wished to register any complaints to the Board it
would have to be in writing and signed by him.
Mr. Brucchi retired at 8:45 P.M.
Chairman McQuillan, Messrs. Cosgrove, Mole and
Jackson of the Board of Health, Mr. Stevens and Mr.
Burns, met with the Board.
Mr. McQuillan said that he has been talking with
Mr. Burns on the subject of cesspool and septic tank
inspections in regard to subdivisions. He said that at
all times there are approximately 100 inspections ahead
of the Board of Health, and Mr. Burns thought something
could be worked out with Whitman & Howard whereby some-
Cesspool one, not a full-fledged engineer, would do the inspec-
Inspections tion work for the town.
He mentioned the $3500 appropriation for engin-
eering fees and said that the Board of Health is not in
favor of paying engineer's fees for builders and sub-
dividers who are making a living out of building in
Lexington.
He said that Mr. Burns had suggested advising the
subdividers that they will have to pay the engineer's
fee to the town. Whitman & Howard will be employed by
the Town but the subdivider will be required to pay
the fee.
Mr. Stevens said that the town could employ
Whitman & Howard, they would render a bill to the Board
of Health and that bill would be paid by the Board.
Mr. Burns suggested obtaining a price from
Whitman & Howard and have the developer pay it in ad-
vance just as is done when water services are installed.
Mr. McQuillan said that a bill could be sub-
mitted to the developer for whatever the estimate is as
quoted by Whitman & Howard.
The group retired at 9:05 P.M.
Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr.
James, it was voted to appoint the following Election
Officers for terms expiring September 1 1955 (See
Selectmen's Files-Election Workers 1954)
Letter was received from the United Nations Com-
mittee, together with suggested letter to be sent to
U. N. Mayor M. Rey, Colmar, France as an act of friendship on
the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the death
of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi who created and sculptured
the Statue of Liberty.
The Board had no objections and the Chairman was
authorized to sign the letter.
411
Further consideration was given to Donald K.
Irwin's offer of $2500 for thirty-eight tax title lots
located on Hillside Avenue.
The Board viewed the area and is unanimous in Tax title
the opinion that it would be to the best interest of property
the Town not to dispose of these lots until the pro-
posed road from Oak Street is definitely located and
constructed.
Further consideration was given to Misa
Clariscia P. Russell's letter in regard to Lot 164,
Ledgelawn Avenue.
The Board viewed the lot and unanimously agreed
to entertain an offer of $1,000 which includes better-
ments, back taxes and interest.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Frank A.
Waldo's offer of $150 for Lot 3, Block 91, Essex Street
and Lots 6 and 7, Block 93.
The Board viewed the lots and inasmuch as there
is no water available, felt that it would be in the
best interest of the town not to dispose of lots 6 and 7.
In regard to Lot 3, the Board was unanimous in
the opinion that they should be owned by the owner of
lots 1 and 2 who had submitted a higher bid.
Further consideration was given to Mr. James
Harrison's offer of $150 for Lot 22, Hillcrest Street.
The Board viewed the lot and unanimously agreed
to entertain an offer of $4.25.00 plus water betterment
assessment of $75.
Further consideration was given to Mr. William
H. Sullivan's offer of $750 for lots 30 and 31 Hillcrest
Street.
The Board viewed the lots and unanimously
agreed to entertain an offer of $1900. 41,000 for the
two lots plus betterment assessments of 50 per lot) .
Further consideration was given to Mr. Harry
M. Sullivan's offer of $200 plus betterments for Lots
35 and 36 Hillcrest Street.
The Board viewed the lots and unanimously
agreed to entertain an offer of500 for Lot 35, $750
for Lot 36, plus betterments of $1,071.90, or a total
for both lots including betterments, of $2,321.90.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Manuel
Souza's offer of $.00 for Lots 7 and 8 Eastern Avenue.
The Board viewed the property and inasmuch as
building would result in demand for installation of
water main, it was unanimously agreed that it would be
tof
in the best interest of the town to retain these two
lots.
Further consideration was given to Mr.
Alfred P. Tropeano's offer of $150 for Lots 117 and
118 Oak Avenue.
The Board viewed the property and inasmuch
as building on these lots would probably result in
demand for installation of a water main, it was un-
animously agreed that it would be in the best interest
of the town to retain these two lots.
Further consideration was given to Mr.
Salvatore R. Corvo's offer of $100 for Lots S3 and 54
Tax title Rockville Avenue.
property The Board viewed the lots and inasmuch as
building on them would probably result in request for
installation of a water main, it was unanimously
agreed that it would be in the best interest of the
town to retain them.
Further consideration was given to Mr.
Datolli's offer of $544 for Lot 66 Albermarle Avenue.
The Board viewed the lot and inasmuch as
lots 63, 64 and 65 are also tax title property, the
Board was of the opinion that no one lot should be
sold separately. 11It was agreed to advise that if Mr. Datolli
is interested in purchasing the four lots he should
submit a bid.
Further consideration was given to Mr.
Elbert A. Fisher's offer of $75 each for Lots 31 and
32 Rangeway Road.
The Board viewed the lots and unanimously
agreed to entertain an offer of $350 for each lot,
plus betterment assessments of $304.28.
The Board gave further consideration to Mr.
A. D. Wilson's offer of $500 for Lot 215 Spring Street.
Upon advice of Mr. Burns the Board unanimously
agreed that it would be in the best interest of the
town not to dispose of this particular lot.
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
Clerk, Selectmen.