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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1950-07-10-min 134 cnc SFr,FCTMEN'S MEETING July 10, 1950 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, July 10, 1950 at 7 :00 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also present. Dr. Howard Foley, Chairman of the Recreation Committee„ and Mr. Charles Allen, electrician, met with the Board. Doctor Foley explained thataome difficulty had Lights for arisen relative to lighting the new toilet facilities toilet building on the Center Playground. He said that the building plans for lighting the building did not take into consideration how to get the electricity from the present system to the building. This can be accomplished by having the wires come almost to the building, to a pole, and stop there. He said that his Committee is of the opinion that it is best to see if some trade can be made with the Boston Edison Company and put a cement post just over the brook and run wires from there. This will involve one pole. Mr. DeFoe arrived at the meeting. The Chairman asked if this problem was. one that could be deferred until the next Board meeting and Doctor Foley said that he understood the carpenters would need the service. The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed, that Doctor Foley confer with Mr. DeFoe and when an agreement is reached as to the best way to handle the subject Mr. DeFoe should contact the Chairman. Mr. Allen said that the Boston Edison engineer *,hought his company would install a light if the Town is willing to pay for maintenance. It was agreed that Doctor Foley would contact Mr. DeFoe and the Board would make a formal request for a street light . Mr. Allen retired at 7 :15 P. M. Doctor Foley reported that the Recreation Committee had received a request from the Lexington Band to conduct a series of concerts on the Buckman Tavern Grounds or on the Common. They plan to give one concert each week beginning the last week in July and continuing until the 30th of August. He 135 said that his Committee thinks it is an excellent idea, but does not have jurisdiction over the Town parks . The Chairman asked what expense would be involved and Doctor Foley replied that there would be none except to supply the electric lights necessary for the music. Doctor Foley said that the members of the Band feel that in so far as parking cars is concerned the Common would be better than the Buckman Tavern property. The Chairman said that he would discuss this subject with Mr. Garrity and the Board can go on from there. Doctor Foley also inquired about the Band taking up a collection and the Chairman said that the Board would let him know. Doctor Foley retired at 7 :20 P. M. The Chairman said that he would like to read into the records a few comments. He stated that, as the Board knows, Mr. Paxton, who is an expert, was asked to give a report on streets and patching. Mr. DeFoe has read the report and the members have all read it. The technique as laid down in this report is something that this Board of Patching Selectmen, at least, wholly endorses . There are Streets formulas and various operations in patching of streets . He said they are not invariable, but in general he thought they were a helpful guide. Also, there is a procedure recommended for permanent patching. The Chairman said that he knows this Board is in agreement for the need of real care and permanent patching and it is the impression of members of the Board that the patches do not have a good look and contribute nothing to the appearance of the street. He said that he knows that the Board feels it would like to see neat patching done when the permanent job is done. He explained that Mr. Paxton feels, on many occasions, puddling is the best procedure and is recommended before permanent patching is done. He said that this Board, from what Mr. DeFoe has said, understands he is doing more puddling than was done before and the Board would like to have it on the record that it thinks puddling should be done on every occasion where in Mr. DeFoe ' s opinion and Mr. Burns ' opinion a better result would be obtained. In cases where they think it might be better, the Board wants ser- ious consideration given to puddling. The Chairman reported that he, Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Burns went over in detail Mr. DeFoe 's and Mr. Paxton's a 136 lists and discussed every instance where there is a variation ' of opinion as to treatment. They then looked at every one of the streets and agreed as to what treat- ment would be given to the street. In some cases it is a less expensive type of treatment than that recommended by Mr. Paxton. They decided on what type of treatment is to be given to the streets where there is a dis- agreement. Mr. DeFoe has prepared a list of the P P treatment for each street and an approximate cost. The Chairman said that he, personally, has prepared an analysis of that treatment as compared with what Mr. Paxton recommended and he will have a copy of the analysis made for each member of the Board. Mr. DeFoe reported on the sewer betterment assessments for Somerset Road and explained that Mr. Baskin's two lots and Mr. Coleman' s one lot would absorb one-half of the entire cost . Mr. Sewer Coleman' s assessment is $ 452.72, and he thought Assessment this was high. Mr. DeFoe said that he asked him what Somerset he thought he should pay and he felt that it should Road be down to $200 or 4300. Mr. DeFoe advised him that possibly something could be done about it and sug- gested that he apply in writing for an abatement. He reported that the assessment on one of Mr. Baskin's lots is 4311.69 and the other is 4325.70. Mr. Baskin feels that the assessment should be some where down around 4200. He said that he explained in detail how the assessments were figured and that the subject had been discussed with the Board. Mr. DeFoe said that he was advised by Mr. Stevens that there is no reason why the Board cannot assess the cost in whatever proportion the Board feels betterment has occurred. He stated that in this case Mr. Stevens said the Board could assess Baskin at a higher price than Coleman inasmuch as Mr. Coleman has no need of the sewer and might never need it. Mr. Stevens arrived at the meeting at 7 :28 P. M. The Chairman said that if the Board so chose Mr. Baskin could be advised that the assessment as outlined by Mr. DeFoe, should be levied against the two owned by Mr. Baskin. Mr. Stevens reported on the status of Reed Street Reed St. insofar as it is connected with Mr. Jellis ' request Jellis for the extension of a water main to service lots 5, 6 and 7, Block 91. He said that there is a portion of Reed Street which apparently has never been accepted . The Chairman asked if he thought it advisable to 137 ' extend the water and Mr . Stevens replied in the nega- tive. He said that this is a problem that Mr. Jelliaf attorney should solve. The Chairman asked if the Board should secure releases from the Meagher heirs before water is in- stalled and Mr. Stevens replied in the affirmative. It was agreed that Mr. DeFoe should contact Mr. Jellis and advise him to have his attorney contact Mr. Stevens. Letter was received from George A . Maynard in- Damage to forming the Board that while excavating for a drive- tree at way at 2380 Massachusetts Avenue, damage was done to 2380 Mass . the roots of a Town tree. He said that he thought the Avenue damage had been to such an extent that the tree should be removed. Mr. DeFoe stated that Mr. Garrity has inspected the tree and in his opinion it should be taken down because the roots have been damaged. He said that Mr. Maynard wanted to have a driveway into his garage and in cutting down the bank he damaged the roots of the tree. This was done without permission and before the Public Works Department knew anyting about it. Er. Nickerson asked if the tree could be saved and Mr. DeFoe replied that Mr . Garrity has told him that it should be taken down. Damage to The Chairman said that it does not look as if tree it is in a dangerous condition. Mr. Nickerson suggested, and the Board agreed, that each member of the Board look at the tree. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Maynard that the Town may not take the tree down and further that the Board is contemplating bringing action for damage. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has conferred with Mr. Stevens relative to Salvucci 's bid and also dis- cussed this sublject with the State. Sewer Con- Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, struction it was voted to award Peter Salvucci the contract for Route 128 construction of the proposed sewer crossing Route 128 at Brook Street and the proposed sewer crossing Route 128 near Grove Street. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk, informing the Board that a claim for damages has been filed by Lawrence J. Barlow, 350 Sayles Street, Claim Providence, Rhode Island . Mr. Barlow claimed that while driving through Lexington on Friday, June 30th, a stone from one of the town trucks hit his windshield and cracked it. Mr. Stevens agreed to answer Mr. Barlow' s claim. sr. Stevens left the meeting at 8:05 P. M. and re- turned later in the erening. 138 det Useful Life of Boiler. The Chairman reported that he p had talked with Lester Andrews who has done most of the repairing on the boiler in Cary Memorial Building. Mr. Andrews claims that 25 years is a fair life for a Boiler boiler and did say that apparently something happened Cary Bldg. to the boiler in 1945. The janitor also admits that something happened but is not quite sure how. According. to Mr. Andrews it has not been possible to get the spread back together and it will never be entirely satsifactory. His feeling is that, regardless of what happened, the boiler is not in good condition. Mr. Hathaway said that it is a very drastic step to recommend the replacement of a 25 year old boiler. Replacement Parts . The Chairman stated that he talked with the American Radiator Company and was informed that this particular type of boiler has been discontinued because it is too large a boiler to be profitable. Sections can be made on order, and there will be a delay of about ten days on parts . However, no guar- antee will be given as to how many years parts will be available. He said that Mr. Andrews, as a tax- payer, felt that the boiler should be replaced be- cause he feels that taking it down would be very expensive and it would still not be a new boiler and it is uncertain as to how long the replaced parts will last. Crafli ed Space. The Chairman said that he had talked with Mr. limbail who claims that, in his opinion, there is ample space for repairs . Mr. Hathaway said that section 5 could not be replaced without removing the first four. Zone Control. The Chairman said that if it were thought to be a good thing to do, from point of view of economy, Mr. Kimball felt that further zoningcould be done at some time and would not have to be done when a new boiler is installed. Mr. Hathaway agreed. The Chairman explained that at the present time there is a ceiling on the money available and zoning could not be done. Condition of System. The Chairman asked Mr. Hathaway what he meant when he questioned whether or not the system is operating as it was designed to operate. Mr. Hathaway explained that if the traps on the radiators are frozen, the system will not operate efficiently. The Chairman asked if the traps had ever been checked and Mr. DeFoe replied that insofar as he 189 U knew they have not. Mr. Hathaway explained that they could be checked in the summer as the system does not necessarily have to be operating. Mechanical vs. Hand Firing. The Chairman explained that the Board has been told that a change could be made at a later date. He said that both Mr. Hathaway and Mr. Kimball agree that the boiler could be operated more efficiently with mechanical firing. #5 vs i6 Oil. The Chairman stated that there seems to be two lines of thought insofar as oil vs coal is concerned. Mr. Hathaway said that #5 or #6 oil would be more economical to operate than a stoker, and that oil vs mechanical soft coal, heavy oil would be cheaper. He said that he thought the Town would be better off with heavy oil in this boiler. Service Contract;. The Chairman agreed that this was something for the Board to look into and Mr. Hathaway explained that for about $50 per year the boiler could be thoroughly vacuum cleaned and monthly reports sub- mitted. The Chairman said that the Board has been told that the contemplated boiler has a greater capacity than the one now in use and asked Mr. Hathaway if he had any opinion relative to the boiler being considered. Mr. Hathaway replied that he thought the capacity of the new boiler was only slighter greater. He explained that the gross capacity of the present boiler is 15,000 sq. ft. and the proposed boiler is 15,250 sq . ft. He said that he does not know the net rating of the present boiler. The Chairman explained that, according to Mr. Kimball, it is 12,000 sq . ft. and will be more efficient with mechanical firing. Mr. Kimball also said that the new boiler should be sufficient to carry most of the load. Mr. Kimball did say, however, that if a third building is constructed it would be necessary to operate two boilers. The Chairman said that it is now a question as to whether it is feasible to gamble on the present boiler or spend the extra money and install a new boiler. Mr. Hathaway said that he would not like to see a new boiler installed in the present cramped location. The Chairman asked if Mr. Hathaway's company had any opinion of the Kimball Company sheating engineers and he replied that they had never heard of Mr. Kimball. Mr. Hoyt asked Mr. Hathaway to outline the test he mentioned that would not be too expensive but might determine what the situation is here. 140 vt Mr. Hathaway explained that it would be parallel to the test made by the insurance company. If a fifteen pound hydrostatic test were put on, the weak places would be found. Mr. Hathaway retired at 8:35 P. M. The Chairmen reminded the Board that Mr. Kimball is ready to send out specifications and request bids and asked if the Board wanted to make any change. Mr. Hoyt said that, if it were a fair question; he would like to ask Mr. DeFoe what he thinks about the boiler. Mr. DeFoe replied that he is not an expert, but Mr. Andrews thinks it should be replaced. He said that the American Radiator Company expert, who has been P y with the company forty-five years, claims that repair's are problematical and from what he has heard he believes it would be a gamble to keep the present boiler. Mr. Nickerson suggested, and the Board agreed, that inasmuch as the plans are ready the the job be put out and see what bids are submitted. If the prices are too high, the contract does not have to be awarded and Chandler can be consulted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Walker, Town Accountant, with reference to loans which should be made for the school expenditures• now under way. School Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, Loan it was voted to request the Town Treasurer to secure bids so that the money authorized by vote of the Special Town Meeting, June 1, 1950, under Articles 7 and '8 can be borrowed and made available as soon as possible . 1 Fire Mr. Harold Stevens, Town Counsel, returned to the Engineers & meeting at 8:40 P. M. to discuss with the Board the sub- Officer J. A.ject of the Board of Fire Engineers, and Attorney George Russell McLaughlin's letter with reference to Officer John A. Russell who is seeking appointment as Sergeant on the Lexington Police force. The Clerk was informed that it would not be necessary to keep any record of the discussion. She and Mr. DeFoe left the meeting at 8:45 P. M. and returned at 9:40 P. M. The next item on Mr. DeFoe 's list was sick-leave pay for William Mason and the Chairman explained that he had instructed Mr. DeFoe to bring this subject up again because of the fact that Mr. Mason had called him several times and asked to have the Board consider his request again. He said that Mr. Mason's son was involved in an automobile accident several weeks ago and additional 141 expenses have been incurred . He asked Mr. DeFoe if he had changed his opinion and Mr. DeFoe replied that he is very sympathetic and believes Mr. Mason was ill, but if he is paid, regardless of the fact that he did not have a doctor 's certificate the policy on sick leave pay will have to be changed. He explained this by stating that all other men in the Department have been required to furnish certificates. Mr. Nickerson asked if there is any possibility of giving Mr. Mason extra work to surround the situation. Mr. Driscoll inquired as to the amount of money Mason Mr. Mason lost and Mr. DeFoe replied that there were request forty-five hours at 401.20 per hour. for sick Mr. Hoyt asked if it could be made s-maxe a leave pay matter of policy and pay him 5O%, and the Chairman said that he would be agreeable to such an arrangement. However, Mr. DeFoe still felt that the same arrangement would have to apply to others. Mr. Gay suggested that Mr. Mason be paid and have it definitely understood by all that no one will be paid in the future without presenting a doctor 's cert- ificate. Mr. Hoyt and Mr. Nickerson both felt that the Board should support Mr. DeFoe ' s position. Mr. Driscoll asked if the rules on this subject were posted on the bulletin board at the Public Works Building and Mr. DeFoe replied that when the policy was first established a notice was posted. He said that Mr. Mason knew the rules and admits that he was aware of the fact that a doctor's certificate is required. Mr. Hoyt said that he thought it would be difficult to control the personnel if an exception were made for one man. The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe advise Mr. Mason that the policy can't be changed, but that he may be given overtime work. Mr. DeFoe said that Mr. Weisinger would not like that but will have to do it if so instructed. He agreed to discuss this with Mr. Weisinger to determine whether or not there is any possibility of extra work or having Mr. Mason work during his vacation; receiving pay for working and for vacation. Mr. DeFoe presented each member of the Board with bids received on 3/4" Type K Copper tubing and regbestdd permission to purchase 10,000 feet. He explained that to date there have been 161 services Copper and for the entire year of 1949 there wdre 265 ser- Tubing ' vices. The Chairman inquired as to how much money is involved, and Mr. DeFoe said that it would be about $2,750. 142 cc Mr. Hoyt said that, in view of present conditions, 11an order should be placed for 15,000 feet. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to authorize Mr. DeFoe to purchase 15,000 feet of 3/4" Type K copper tubing from the George A. Caldwell Co. at the quoted price of .276 per foot, 1% 10th prox. , providing delivery of 1,000 feet can be made immediately. In the event the Company will not accept the order with this provision, Mr. DeFoe is to contact the Chairman of the Board . The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. George A. Bullock requesting an estimate of the cost of water Water connections to her house at 34 Valley Road. Reg. Valley Mr. DeFoe explained that this would mean a Road new water main and agreed to report further on the subject at the next meeting of the Board. The Chairman read another letter ftom Mrs. Rose Tree J. Doll, 151 Shade Street, with reference to her request Removal for the removal of a tree. Mr. DeFoe reported that the tree in question is not in Mrs . Dollis driveway and as far as he is concerned there is no need to remove the tree. The Chairman asked if the members of the Board desired to change their previous decision. The Board did not see any compelling need to remove the tree and the Chairman was authorized to advise Mrs . Doll that the Board does not feel inclined to grant her request. Letter was received from Mr. Stevens, Tovm Counsel, enclosing a copy of his letter to Allan E. Gifford, Bids Executive Secretary to the Associated General Contractors of Mass . Inc., relative to bid procedure in the Town of Lexington. The Chairman read a notice from the Massachusetts Rent Selectmen'b Association with reference to proposed Control bill on Rent Control. It was agreed that the Chairman Bill should contact Representative Ferguson and Senator Evans and have the Board recorded as opposing the bill. Letter was received from Paul A. Hubbart, 22 Traffic Harding Road, referring to his conersation with the Complaint Chairman relative to traffic at the junction of North Hancock Street, Valley Road, Harding Road and Bedford Street. The Chairman said that he would request the Chief of Police to give this area particular attention during the construction of Route 128. 143 The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Walker, Town Accountant, with reference to Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, an Act relative to time for Boy Scout payment of betterment assessments in the Town Assessment of Lexington. Mr. Walker suggested deferring payment of the Sachem Council Grant Street betterment assessment under the provision of this Act. The Board agreed to follow Mr. Walkerts suggestion. Mr. DeFoe retired at 10:25 P. M. Letter was received from Arthur J. Pike, Lexington Street, Burlington, requesting a permit to move his house now located on Lexington Street, Permit to Burlington, to 481 Lowell Street, Lexington. move Bldg. The house is now located in the middle of the new Route 128 and must be moved by July 22nd. Mr. Hoyt moved that the permit be granted. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received fron Clara L. Chapman, Lexington Street, Burlington, requesting permit to move her house to 549 Lowell Street, Lexington. The house is now located where Route 128 is to be located. Mr. Gay moved that the permit be granted. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted. Further consideration was given to Mr. John Mayts offer to purchase Lots 31,32,33 and 34 Myrtle Street. Tax Title Mr. Gay moved that a proposal to sell the lot Property be advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man 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. Further consideration was given to Mr. McQuillants Tax Title offer of 4300 for lots 74 and 75 Tower Road. Property The Chairman recommended that the Board entertain an offer of 4300 for each lot (4600 for the two lots ) and the Board agreed. A letter was received from David L. Wilson, Jr. , Tax Title 11 Hamblen Street, offering 4100 for Lots 110, 111, 112 Property and 113 on Bellflower Street. The unofficial committee on tax title property recommended a price of 4250 inasmuch as there is water in the street. The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed, that the Selectmen should look at the lots before making any decision. 144 mt Mr. Garrity's letter of June 16th with reference to removing one tree and repairing three others on Massachusetts Avenue, opposite Munroe Tavern, was held over from the last meeting. The Chairman said that Mr. Garrity had mentioned taking money from special trust funds for this work Trees and asked if this was something the Board thought should be paid for by these funds. Mr. Nickerson said that he thought if rnything could be done to save the trees even for a short period of time an attempt should be made. The Chairman questioned using the trust funds and it was agreed to insert an article in the warrant for the Special Town Meeting in the Fall requesting an appropriation. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Licenses Countryside Associates, Inc. Sunday Golf Lexington Theatre Sunday Movies Chester Ludwig Peddler Surety bond in the sum of $1,000 was received on Constable's behalf of James F. Mowat as Constable in the Town of Bond Lexington for a term expiring in March, 1950. Mr. Gay moved that the bond be approved. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Eugene T. Buckley, 22 Grant Street, offering *100 for a parcel of Tax Title land, abutting his property, which has been foreclosed. Property The Clerk was instructed to have the Town Engineer prepare a sketch of the lot and bring it up at the next meeting of the Board. The meeting adjourned at 11:05 P. M. e lecten. 145 Items Settled with Mr. Emery - Monday - 24. 1950 A. Report on cost to illuminate Minute Man Statue B. Request for blasting damage at 17 Boulder Road. C. Request for street light at locker building. Action Taken on Above Matters by Mr. Emery A. Street lighting rate applies - A 500 watt light equivalent to 10,000 lumens has been used at a cost of $70.00 per year up to 1:00 P. M. A 200 watt light is to be experimented with (cost $35.00 ) per year. Mr. Emery advised to use whatever wattage gives satisfactory results. B. Blasting caused damage to plaster when water service was being installed for adjacent property. Ownerts plasterer estimated 4162.00 to consider work. Mr. Dacey, who does work for Town, estimated at least $100.00. Owneros plasterer agreed to $125.00 which Mr. Emery approved. C. Mr. Emery approved. No cost to Town excepting to pay light bill the same as for other street lights.