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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1954-06-28-BOS-min 395 II SELECTMEN'S MEETING June 28, 1954 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, June 21, 1954 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. Gay, Maloney, and James were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present . Mr. Burns reported that the Chamber of Commerce has requested two signs on Massachusetts Avenue indicating Parking the entrance to the municipal parking area; one to be ares signs placed on the Edison Building and one in the vicinity of Waltham Street. He said he doubted if he could pelt a sign on the building and suggested placing it at the corner with an arrow pointing in the direction of the parking area. The Chairman polled the Board and all were in favor of Mr. Burns placing the signs wherever he deems to be the best locations. Mr. Burns presented the following suggestions as a possible solution to the problem of the Lincoln Street dump: 1. Close dump at 6:30 P. M. 2. Have regular collectors in town register and give keys to gate. pump Prohibit all outside trucks from using dump. 4. Prohibit all dump picking by peddlers including attendant. 5. Absolutely no fires. Persons caught starting fires to be prosecuted. 6. Station uniformed police outside to stop people from dumping rubbish at gate and to enforce re- striction on outside trucks, and dump picking. He called the Board' s attention to the fact that, from past experience, he felt certain there would be telephone calls complaining about the regulations and said that once they are established, they should be strictly enforced. The Clerk was instructed to make copies of the proposed regulations and mail them to the members of the Board for study and consideration at the next regular meeting. 396 Co EL The Chairman read a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Carl G. Hooke, 19 Utica Street, stating that they Street would like the electric light pole now located in light front of their house moved to the corner of Dunham and Utica Streets. According to the letter, a Mr. Bokus of the Boston Edison said he would be willing bo relocate the street light if the Selectmen gave their consent. Mr. Burns agreed to discuss the subject with a representative of the Boston Edison Company. The Chairman read a letter from William. F. Tree Cushman, 65 School Street, requesting removal of three removal elm trees located on town property and the remnants of a stone wall, both of which interfere with work in widening the driveway. Mr. Burns stated that most of the stone wall had been removed and he plans to remove it all. How- ever, in regard to the trees, he would like to see them first. Before making any decision in regard to moving the trees, the Board will go up and look at them. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at the meeting at 7:25 P. M. The Chairman read a letter from William H. Sullivan, lla Milk Street, requesting the extension of a water main in Calvin Street, a distance of 110 feet Request for to Justin Street for a distance of 75 feet. water Mr. Burns informed the Board that there are no funds in this year' s budget for this project and also called the Board' s attention to the fact that as soon as water is installed in .Justin Street, houses will be constructed and the street is in an extremely bad condition. He said he felt certain that requests would then be made to have the street accepted. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Sullivan that there are no funds available this year, but the subject will be considered when the 1955 bud- gets are discussed, not necessarily meaning that the project would be approved and funds appropriated. The Chairman read a letter from Robert R. Shrock, Traffic 200 Waltham Street requesting placement of two signs, signs one at Park Drige and one at Winthrop Road in an attempt to protect the children in the area. Mr. Burns said that he has a number of signs on order and when they arrive he will install one at each of these locations. 397 The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Robert R. Shrock complaining about a depression in the Curbing street at 200 Waltham Street which he claimed was caused when the water main was installed. He also inquired about curbing. Mr. Burns said that he was aware of the con- dition and expects to correct it when the curbing is placed. The Chairman read a letter from Five Fields Incorporated stating that a petition had been pre- sented to the Planning Board in re Concord Avenue Concord Ave. and they now understand the Town Engineer has been requested to draw plans for extending Concord Avenue into Spring Street. The corporation also requested the Selectmen not to apply for County funds to widen Concord Avenue. The Chairman informed the Board that neither Mr. Burns nor the Planning Board have any knowledge of such a project and the Board of Selectmen has no such plan in mind. He was authorized to so advise Five Fields Inc. The Chairman read a letter from Dom Ross, Jr. in which he asked for funds from the recreation ap- Request for propriation to aid the Lexington Town Baseball Team. funds Town The question was raised as to whether or not the Baseball Team Town could appropriate money for a private organi- zation, one not sponsored by the Recreation Committee. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Ross that the Town Meeting appropriated funds for the Ree- 1 reation Committee, but for specific purposes recom- mended by that Committee and these did not include the Tavern Baseball Team. Letter was received from Mrs. George MacBeth com- plaining about the noise caused by a water pump oper- Complaint ated by Mr. Ricci when he waters his farm. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mrs. MacBeth that the situation is strictly a private one and noth- ing in which the Town is involved or over which it has any jurisdiction. Letter was received from Paul H. Palmer, Chairman of the Maria Hastings School Building Committee, re- School questing bond issue of $700,000, effective July 1, borrowing 19514; bids to be opened on July 15th. The Chairman reported that Mr. Carroll, Town Treasurer, has already started necessary proceedings to effect the borrowing. Mr. Burns retired at 8:00 P. M. 1 398 CL Mr. Paul C. Folsom, former owner of property on Robinson Road and Grove Street, met with the Board. He said that he received a bill in the amount Folsom of $250 for water which was an adjusted bill. He abatement said his attorney, Mr. McCormack, told him that the betterment was abated but someone had said that there was a moral obligation to pay. Mr. Folsom said that he was financially able to pay anything he owed, but he did not believe there is any moral obligation in- volved and explained at length the matter of water in- stallation, betterments and State takings on his pro- perty. The Board called Mr. Burns down at 8:20 and he presented a plan of the property involved. When Mr. Stevens heard the explanation he said that this amount should have been abated when the taking was made and apparently Mr. Folsom does not owe the Town any money. He said that there is nothing in the official records in any way stating that this was a moral obligation and he would call Mr. !Womack and so advise him. Mr. Folsom and Mr. Burns retired at 8:1i5 P. M. Rev. Freeman and Mr. Collins, Welfare Agent, met with the Board. The Chairman explained that Rev. Freeman had talked to him in regard to Mr. George S. Head and his property. Rev. Freeman stated that Mr. Head attends his church and came to him about two months ago and said George Head that the town was taking his place for taxes and going property to put him out. He wanted Rev. Freeman to raise the money and pay the taxes. The Chairman explained that the property was foreclosed through the Land Court on July 18, 1952, and at that time the total amount due the town for taxes, costs, interest and water liens was $1,108.142. He also explained that the total amount of assis- tance given to George Head and Mabel Maynard by the the Welfare Department amounts to $13,735.51 and there- fore, merely paying the taxes would not reimburse the town. He said that the only way Mr. Head could take over the property would be to purchase it. Once it is foreclosed the title becomes invested in the town and the right of redemption is ended. The Chairman said that he does not know the case too well, but Mr. Collins would like to have Mr. Head put in a home. Mr. Collins said that he has to give him $79 now and if he was put in a home it would be $20 a week. He would like to see him placed somewhere so he would receive proper care. 399 The Chairman assured Rev. Freeman that the Board is not thinking about putting him out until the time comes when he is unable to care for himself. Messrs. Collins, Freeman and Stevens retired. State regulations governing the speed of motor Speed limit vehicles on Routes 4 and 25, State Highway, in State Highway Lexington and Bedford were received from the Town Clerk. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 P. M. A true record, Attest: The next regular meeting of the Board will be held on Monday evening, July 12, 195h at T«00 P. M.