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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1950-10-24-min 247 SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 24, 1950 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday evening, October 24, 1950, at 7:00 P.M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. Mr. Burns reported that only one bid had been submitted for sidewalk construction and that was from P. J. Joyce and Son in the amount of 0,043.35. The Chairman asked if the bid included all the projects in the budget submitted at the Annual Town Meeting in March and Mr. Burns replied in the affirm- Sidewalk ative, and stated that the appropriation was 6,000. Bid The Chairman asked if Mr. Burns recommended ac- ceptance of the bid and he replied in the affirmative. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to accept the bid for sidewalk construc- tion submitted by P.J. Joyce and Son, in the amount of *5,043.35. Mr. Burns asked the Board to consider betterment charges on the so-called Liberty-Ledgelawn street con- struction project. Be explained that, adding the en- Liberty- gineering service on the project and the legal fees, Ledgelawn he figures the price to be 3.52 per foot. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,Betterments it was voted to authorize the Suptt. of Public Works to have the bills for the so-called Liberty-Ledgelawn street construction project prepared and sent out, using the figure of .52 per foot. Mr. Burns reported on the status of the Sewer Service and Water Maintenance Accounts and explained that, at the present time, indications are that the accounts will be short. There are 26 sewer services on deposit now to be done and he is estimating 15 more to the end of the year which amounts to approximately *1800. He said that he might not need the money and would prefer haling the article in the warrant for the October Town Meetingostponed and included in the warrant for the November Town Meeting. It was agreed to indefinitely postpone the article in the warrant for the October meeting requesting in appropriation for Sewer Services - Wages and Expenses. 248 Mr. Burns discussed at some length possible sewer, water and drainage items to be included in his 1951 budgets. It was agreed to indefinitely postpone the article in the warrant for the October meeting requesting an approp- riation for Water Maintenance - Wages and Expenses. The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed,that he 1951 prepare the budgets up to amounts of $30,000 or $35,000 Budgets including the projects which he believes should be done in 195],.. The Chairman and Mr. Burns retired at 8:07 P.M. to meet with the Appropriation Committee and Mr. Gay con- ducted the meeting until the chairman returned. Letter was received from Mr. Philip M. Johnson, Barnes Scout Executive, suggesting that a heating engineer property be consulted relative to the possibility of making heating some recommendations as to having a dual thermo- system static control at the Barnes Building. The communication was referred to the Suptt. of Public Works. Letter was received from the Lexington Chamber Chamber of of Commerce requesting permission to attach Christmas I Commerce lights to the Edison poles and locate two Christmas Christmas trees -- one at the East Lexington Fire Station and Program one at the Manor Spa. Permission was also requested to broadcast Christmas Carols following the procedure of last year. The Board had no objection to the lights being attached to the electric poles providing permission is obtained from the Boston Edison Company and it was the opinion of the Board that broadcasting carols is very much in keeping with the spirit of the Season. Inasmuch as there is very little space to locate a tree at the East Lexington Fire Station, the Select- men offered the suggestion that the Chamber of Com- merce consider the possibility of placing a tree on the traffic island at the junction of Massachusetts Avenue, Pollen Road and Pleasant Street. Letter was received from C.L. Coolidge, 503 Insurance Waltham Street, requesting that his name be placed on the list of insurance brokers participating in the insurance on Town property. The Clerk was in- structed to advise Mr. Coolidge that he will be given due consideration when the insurance is apportioned again next year. 1 249 Letter was received from Charles B. Wendell, 13 Church Street, Watertown, stating that he would ap- Fuel preciate some of the Town's fuel business. Business The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter and advise Mr. Wendell that it is customary to let the contract for fuel about the first of October each year and suggest that he reiterate his request next September . Letter was received from Daniel W. Birmingham, 10 Farquhar Street, Roslindale, stating that he is still interested in purchasing Lot 64, Grapevine Avenue, at Tax the Board 's price of $300. Mr. Hoyt moved that a pro- Title posal to sell the lot be advertised in the Lexington Property Minute-Mai and that further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motions duly made and seconded it was voted to grant the following uses of halls : Lexington Community Club, Estabrook Hall, November 4th and 18th, for Puppet Shows to raise funds for the Simmons Scholarship Fund, subject to a charge of $10.00. United Community Services, Estabrook Hall, November 8th, Uses of for a meeting to discuss health, hospitals and medical Hall care, free of charge. Lexington Field and Garden Club, Estabrook Hall, November 13th for a meeting - free of charge. St. Brigid's Church, Cary Hall, November 30th, for a banquet and dance, subject to a charge of $35.00. Upon metion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to sign an order for the installation of North St. water in North Street, from Lowell Street, northeasterly water a distance of 870' more or less . Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to sign the Warrant for the State Election to be held November 7, 1950. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to sign notices of intention to lay out Cary Cary Avenue from Middle Street to Shade Street a dis- Street tance of approximately 1910.32. feet. Upon motitn of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to sign notices of intention to layout Aerial St. Aerial Street from Daniels Steet to Sutherland Road a distance of approximately 539.41' . 250 `O C Mr. Emery returned to the meeting at 8:30 P.M. 111 Officer Benjamin Day met with the Board and ex- plained that he had requested an appointment, as a result of a unanimous vote of the members of the Police Department, and with the permission of the 5 day week Chief of Police, to discuss a five-day week for the Police Department. Department He said that at the present time the men never have two days off together unless they are sick or on vacation. He said that there are 25 depart- ments in cities and towns as far as Springfield, Lawrenceand NorwOOd now on five-day weeks. The pro- posed change will mean additional men to carry on the assignments as they are now. Officer Day said that he has been a member of the Department for seventeen years and to his know- ledge only one change has been made in time off. It was in 1947 when the men were given every sixth day off. He said that the request for a five-day week is misleading but it amounts to 104 days a year. At present the men are off 60 or 61 days a year. Under the proposed schedule the men would work six days and be off two for five weeks; work six and be off three; work five and be off three. The Chairman asked if the men were now off 60 days and Officer Day replied in the affirmative. He said that under the new schedule they would be off 104 days. He explained that there are 25 men, not in- cluding the Chief, and these would be divided into two groups . Three additional men willbe needed. The Chairman asked if the Chief concurre d with the statement that three more men will be needed and Officer Day replied in the affirmative. Mr. Driscoll inquired as to the cities and towns now operating on a five-day week schedule. Officer Davy read the following list: Arlington, Andover, Beverly, Brockton, Brookline, Cambridge, Chicopee, Clinton, Everett, Gardner, Haverhill , Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Medford, Melrose,Methuan, Natick, Newton, Norwood, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Springfield and Westwood . The Chairman asked how many hours the men work now and Officer Day replied that the day men work fifty hours a week and those on school duty have only twenty-five to thirty minutes for lunch. rhe night men work seventy hours. 251 The Chairman asked what it would add up to on an average week and Officer Day replied that there would be thirty-five hours for night men and fifty hours for day men. The Chairmen asked how often a_ change is made from day to night duty and Officer Day replies that there is no set schedule. Officer Day said that some of the men wanted an article inserted in the Warrant for the October meeting, but it had closed and now some of them want and Article in the Warrant for the November meeting. He said that he was present this evening merely to bring the sentiment of the men to the Board and stated that he does not think people realize that the Department is on twenty-four duty. Mr. Hoyt said that he thought the request would have a better chance at the Annual March Meeting inasmuch as there would be more time to discuss it. Officer Day said that his own opinion would be tot ake the advice and knowledge of the groups responsible. He said that he thought if this is brought up at Town Meeting and does not have the approval of the Selectmen and the Appropriation Committee, the men would be handicapped. Mr. Gay slid that he though esenting this at the November meeting would be/ igychologically, and that it would be much better to present it in March. Officer Day arid that he did not think any of the men in the Department, with the exception of the Chief who meets with the Boards, have any knowledge of the best procedure to follow; He said that they would all like to have the five-day week and that he will report to them if it is the opinion of the Board that it would be better to wait until the Annual Town Meeting. He said that he personally would be satisfied to wait. The Chairman suggested, and Officer Day agreed, that the Board would think this over and let him know. He said that whatever the Board decides would not bind the Department not to do anything it wants to do. Officer Day retired at 8:55 P.M. Mr. Domenic Petrino and his niece, Miss Frances- chelli, met with the Board relative to a sewer better- Betterments ment assessment levied against his property on Grape- Petrino vine Avenue. Mr. Burns presented a sketch of the property and the Chairman asked if Mr. Petrino intended to connect his house with the sewer. He replied that he would this winter. � J 252 The Chairman asked if he farmed the other two lots and he replied in the affirmative and stated that he receives only enough money from the produce to pay his taxes . Miss Franceschelli said that Mr. Petrino would like the betterments deferred without interest. The Chairman said that the Board would discuss the subject and let Mr. Petrino know what decision is made. Mr. Petrino and Miss Franceschelli retired at 9:25 P.M. Messrs . Tarbox, Johnson, art, Batemen, and Berlinger, of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, met with the Board. Mr. Tarbox. said that the Chamber of has received a number of complaints from its members who in turn Ch. of have received them from customers relative to park- Commerce ing meters. He said that it is not the meters in re off themselves as it is the fact that they do not have the street option of getting into off-street parking areas. parking He said that the Chamber would like to know what is being done or if there is anything it can do to help to secure mor off-street parking. He asked if there was anything being done at the present time to in- crease the off-street parking space. The Chairman stated that the Board has in mind opening a way between the Boston Edison road and Depot Square which should give more off-street park- ing. He said this is the only project he knows of at the moment. He said that Mr. Burns, through his association with the Planning Board, might know of others. Mr. Burns said that the only other project he has heard about is the parcel of land adjacent to the library, and the Chairman said that nothing had been done about t .at lately. Mr. Burns said that the Engineering Deparment made an estimate of the cost of making this area into a suitable perking space but nothing ever came of it. The Chairman said, with reference to the Edison Way-Depot Square projedt, that the Selectmen originally had this and referred it to the Planning Board who voted unfavorably on it. The Selectmen felt that it had merits and kept it going, and referred it to Mr. Ballard. He said that more recently the Planning Board in- dicated that they would be glad to take the project over. He explained that he and Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, have an appointment to meet with Mr. Ballard Friday morning and he thought the situation in regard to Edison Way is ready for signatures and further ac- tion. However, he did not know whether it would be ready for the November Town Meeting. 253 Mr. Tarbox wanted to know if tl_ere is any reason why the Library project could not be followed through. Mr. Bateman said that his business had definitely been hurt by the parking meters and the Chairman asked if he could prove this statement and he replied that it would be difficult to prove. Mr. Tarbox said that the Chamber was in favor of the meters and it still is if same additional parking space can be obtained. The Chairman said that he thought, with reference to the area at the Library, the approach would be to the Planning Board and Library, Ttietees. Mr. Johnson said that the Planning Board is in favor of the Library lot and he thought the original auggestion came from the Planning Board. Mr. Gay suggested that the Planning Board write to the Library Trustees and state that it is in favor of the proposed parking area at the Library. The Chairman asked if Mr. Johnson thought this was a Planning Board subject and he replied that possibly-Lit is and thought it could be easily revived, but that the statue of the Edison Way project is not clear in his mind. The Chairman said that there is no doubt that Mr. Ballard is taking this from the point of view of ' circulation of traffic rather than having a parking area. He said that he was sure Mr. Ballard has the land owners agreement of what they will or will not do and he will know definitely after the conference next Friday. The group retired at 9:55 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Ann S. Hunt, 383 Marrett Road with reference to the possibility of including three more homes in the Marrett Road-Prospect Merrett Road Hill sewer project. Sewer Mr. Burns reported that these three homes have been Project included as requested and the projedt will be under- taken some time this Fall. However, it will not be available for use until the summer of 1951. The Chairman read a letter from Brewer & Lord with reference to insurance coverage on Liberty- ' Ledgelawn Streets and Waltham Street. Mr. Burns said that the only street mentioned in Insurance the letter on which the coverage should continue is on streets Waltham Street. He also stated that if Cary Avenue and Aerial Street are accepted at the Town Meeting in November, they should be covered. 254 The Chairman read a letter from Daniel A. Lynch, attorney for Mrs. Emily R. Scheibe, with reference Scheibe to a water betterment assessment in the amount of water $494.71 levied against her property located on Lincoln assessment Street. He requested deferment without interest for three years under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950. The members of the Board agreed to look at the property in question before taking any action. Letter was received from Leland Emery, in reply to the Chat1aman's letter, with reference to a joik.nt meeting of the Selectmen, Assessors and members of Re-appraisel the Taxpayerdt Association relative to a profession- of property al re-appraisal of the Town. The members of the Board felt that they would like a report from Mr. Emery as to what progress has been made so far this year but were not in favor of discussing the subject at a joint meeting inasmuch as they felt this was something that should be con- sidered by the Assessors and the Taxpayers Associa- tion. Letter was received from. Mr. Garrity, together with Purchase a quotation on the price of a power sag which he of saw would like to purchase. There was some question as to whether or not this had been specifically included in the budget for this year and the Chairman agreed to contact Mr. Garrity to clear the matter. Further consideration was given to Mr. Joseph Casey's offer of $1200 for a parcel of tax title prop- Tax Title erty on Valley Road. Mr. Davidson, who had previously Property submitted an offer, was given until October 23rd to advise the Board whether or not he was still inter- ested in purchasing this land. Mr. Hoyt moved that unless some word is received from Mr. Davidson be Thursday of this week that a proposal to sell be advertised in the }Minute-Man. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted. Bus Route Letter was received from the Lexington School Committee advising that the Committee is in favor of the proposed bus route on Grant Street. Tag Days The Committee will make some increase in the bud- (School) get for band expenses as far as allowed by law so that further requests for Tag Days may be eliminated. The meeting adjourned at 11;10 P.M. Clerk, Selectmen