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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1950-06-12-min 103 SELECTMEN'S MEETING June 12, 1950 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Build- ing on Monday evening, Jude 12, 1950, at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs . Gay, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, met with the Board, and reported on the petition, dated April 29th, requesting the Town to have the property adjoining the Softball old reservoir on Marrett Road, known as Lot #4, made Play y Area into a playground for softball. He stated that the estimated cost will be $3,000 including a fence which he thinks should be erected for the protection of the child- ren. He also informed the Board that to put the area in condition would necessitate removing trees, bulldozing the material and saving the top soil. The Chairman was authorized to advise the petitioner that there are no funds available to do the project cor- rectly at this time and if it is not properly done, there may be .a question of liability on the part of the Town if anyone should get hurt. It was also suggested that the petitioner be advised to contact the Recreation Committee with the idea of having this listed for possible future development. The Chairman read a letter from Lancelot Cooper, Streets 15 Hilltop Avenue, with ref eence to the condition of the in Farm- streets in the Farmerest area following the installation of crest Area a sewer main. Mr. DeFoe said that the streets could be patched, but he does not recommend it. Another solution would be to put on calcium chloride or oil to lay the dust and he thought the oil would be best. It was agreed that Mr. DeFoe would not do any patch- ing, but he would treat the streets as soon as possible to reduce the dust nuisance. Mr. DeFoe again requested permission to renew insur- ance policies expiring July 1, 1950, and explained that he has only one letter on file from a prospective new broker Insurance and that is Mr. Donald Fifield. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, c'econded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to place the insurance formerly held by George Gosbee, now deceased, with Donald M. Fifield; all other policies expiring July of this year to be renewed with the agents now holding them. 144 C, Mr. DeFoe read a letter which he received from Converse Hill with reference to insurance coverage on the East Lexington Fire Station and was instructed by the Board to handle this the same as the Fiske School insurance was handled. Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at the meeting at 7:20 P. M. Mr. DeFoe referred to Mr. Ryder 's request for damages due to sewer construction. He explained that leaks in the sewer line on the right hand side of Waltham Street, caused water to go onto Ryder's land Ryder on the left hand side about one-half way down Waltham Damages - Street and the Vine Brook. The town plugged the man- Sewer hole cover and put a rock on it, but someone rolled the rock off. The first 200 feet is now dried out and from there on Mr. DeFoe plans to correct the condition, but Mr. Ryder wants the Town to remove the muck for a depth of six inches all the way from Waltham Street out to the South Branch of Vine Brook, a distance of about 500 feet and replace it with gravel. Mr. DeFoe said that as soon as the leak is corrected he cannot see what damage it will cause. The Chairman asked if the work Mr. Ryder has re- quested would be done on the Town easement and Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative. Mr. Stevens asked if Mr. Ryder used the easement and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative. Mr. Stevens asked if Mr. Ryder has been using the land and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative. He said that it is waste land and in a very short time the con- dition will be corrected. Mr. Stevens suggested that this subject be discussed with Mr. Ryder when he meets with the Board later in the evening. Letter was received from the Raimo Contracting Co. requesting an extension of completion time on the Sewer Project, Contract B job. Raimo Mr. Stevens said that if an extension is granted, Extension the Board would have to so vote. At the Chairman's request Mr. Stevens dictated the following vote, passed by the Board: That the time for completion of the sewer job under contract to Raimo Contracting Co. , designated as Contract B North Branch Vine Brook, be extended until September 5, 1950, as re- quested by Raimo Contracting Co. , and assented to by the Continental Casualty Co. as surety; but without in any way relieving the Continental Casualty Co. from their obligations under the bond covering the contract with A. D. Daddario. 105 Letter was received from the Arlington Board of Selectmen with reference to Bill No. 1366, filed with Bill the Legislature which calls for land located in Cambridge adjacent to the Concord Turnpike, and under the jurisdiction of the M. D. C. to be transferred to the M. T. A. in anti- cipation of the extension of rapid transit from Harvard Square to Arlington. Mr. Stevens recommended that the Board acknowledge receipt of the letter and state that the Board will look into the matter. Mr. DeFoe said that he would like more information Ryder relative to the installation of a water main in Woburn Request Street from Lowell Street to the Woburn line requested by for Water Mr. Ryder. If this line is to take 100 or more houses he on Lowell thought it should be a 12" main and would cost approx- Street imately $20,000. Mr. Stevens said that he does not like the proposition and does not think it practical. Mr. Stevens informed the Board that he has three copies Toilet of the contract for the construction of the toilet facilities Facilities at the Center Playground. Contract Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to sign the contract between the Town of Lexington and Rich Brothers Construction Co. , Inc. , for the construction of toilet facilities at the Center Playground. All three copies of the contract and three sets of plans were taken by Mr. Stevens. Mr. Stevens left the meeting at 8:20 P. M. Mr. Edward L. Crown and Mr. Wilson met with the Board at Mr. Crown's request, relative to the group of Complaint men who congregate and park cars at Curve Street and Independenct Avenue. b. Both individuals complained about the noise and parking of cars. Mr. Crown agreed to obtain the registration numbers and forward them to Mr. Gay at which time further consideration will be given the matter by the Board. Messrs. Crown and Wilson retired at 8:35 P. M. Mr. DeFoe asked to what budget item the inspection Inspection of construction of roads in developments is to be charged. of roads He said that he does not know of any budget to charge construe- his item unless it is absorbed by the drainage and water tion budgets. He further stated that he thought this was an unforeeen expense and would warrant a transfer from the Reserve Fund. The Chairman asked if a new account would be established and Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative. 106 'TJ The Chairman inquired as to the amount of money involved and Mr. DeFoe said that he and Mr. Burns thought it would be in the vicinity of $1,000 but it is dif- ficult if- ficult to make an estimate as there is no way of know- ing how many developments will be involved. Mr. Hoyt suggested that this might be considered as an engineering item but the Chairman felt that it was not wholley engineering and involves water and drainage inspection. He suggested that Mr. DeFoe confer with the Town Accountant and Mr. DeFoe agreed. Mr. DeFoe reported further on the contemplated repairs to the Barnes property. Barnes The Chairman said that he thought the Board should Property inspect the property with Mr. Custance and requested Mr. DeFoe to arrange a meeting for that purpose. Mr. Robert L. Ryder met with the Board at 8:45 P. M. He said that he would like to refer to his request for the Town to supply water in connection with the de- velopment of his property in the area of the Woburn- Lexington line. Ryder rd The Chairman stated that the Selectmen have been request for discussing this subject and are not, in general, in water on favor of the precedent. He said that he did not know Lowell St. where the money would come from and if the installation is made, no doubt pressure would come from people using the water to have the rates reduced. Mr. Ryder explained that the Town would be dealing with the City of Woburn 'and not individual property owners. Mr. Stevens explained that if the Town sells water to Woburn at the same price charged Lexington people, the city of Woburn would undoubtedly charge a higher rate and as a result the consumers would be paying more for water than other individuals. He further explained that if Lexington charges any less, there will be trouble with the Veterans ' Hospital. Mr. Ryder said that this installation would be saving the City of Woburn a considerable sum and the City might be willing to sell the water at a cost. Mr. Stevens said that Lexington would have to run a main to the Woburn line and put a meter on there. The water would have to be sold to Woburn at the regular price or reduce the price charged to the Veteran Hospital and he does not think that Woburn would consent to selling the water without making money on it. He further explained that permission would have to be obtained from the M. D. C. The Chairman said that the Board has numerous requests , for water that can't betaken care of and it does not seem to him that there would' be any justification to proceed with this project. 107 The Chairman asked if Woburn joined Mr. Ryder in his request and he replied that this is one of three propositions discussed. He said that there would be about 300 houses involved. Mr. DeFoe said that he very definitely felt that an 8" main would be too small and recommended a 12". Mr. Stevens said that he thought the City of Woburn would expect Lexington to do the construction up to the boundary and suggested that Mr. Ryder tell Woburn that Lexington could only sell the water at retail. The Chairman explained that the annual budgets had been figured in January or February and if $18,000 or $20,000 is used for this unforseen item the entire program would be disrupted. Mr. Stevens said that the Selectmen should not entertain any such project until some expression is received from the City of Woburn. MX°. Ryder said that if the proposition is not possible, that is all he wanisto know. The Chairmaal said that he could not see any way out of it at the moment. Mr. Ryder asked if it was the Board 's intention to keep the dump on Lincoln Street burning all the time and Mr. DeFoe replied that only when it is neces- sary. The method of operation of the dump was discussed at length aid Mr, Ryder said that burning at the dump was a nuisance and asked if the Town has the right to maintain a nuisance. Mr. Stevens said that whether it is a legal Dump nuisance is another matter,. and Mr. Ryder said that he would withdraw his question, but he does not thinly the Town has. He said that if it is continued there will be trouble which he doesn't want if he can help it. Mr. Stevens said that other towns have the same problem and the pending report to the Legislature is the only permanent answer. The Chairman asked if Mr. Ryder had any suggestions as to how the dump can be maintained better and he re- plied that he does not think it is necessary to burn; that creates a nuisance and he does not think the Town has any legal right to do it. :Mr. Ryder asked what the answer is to the over- flowing manhole in the North Branch trunk line sewer. Mr. DeFoe explained the situation to him and he agreed to go over the area and inspect it again. He said that the last time he looked at it, conditions were bad but he has not been there for two or three weeks. Mr. Ryder stated that he is not ready to discuss the damage to trees on his property on Lincoln Street which he claims was caused by fire in the dump. Mr. Stevens explained that the only information he has is that the fire did not start at the dump. 108 WD Mr. Ryder said that he had the admission of the man running the dump that it did start from the dump, blew across the street and started up the hill. Mr. Ryder retired at 9:40 P. M. Mr. Stevens read a letter received from Mrs. Sexton a copy of which was given to the Board relative to 45 Legal Waltham Street. Issue she Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed, that this subject be handled by Mr. Stevens as was previously decided. Mr. Stevens retired at 9:55 P. M. At the Chairman's request, Mr. Gay conducted the meeting for the remainder of the evening. Mr. DeFoe reported further on the proposed sewer for Somerset Road and explained that the cost will be Somerset approximately $1,p60 of which the Town may collect in Road betterment assessments $1,090. Sewer Mr. Emery asked Mr. DeFoe to discuss this with .Mr. Coleman, an abutter, and report again next week, and also to bring in11list on sewers. Application was received from the Arlington Gas Light Company for permission to locate a gas main in Gas Harding Road to service a new house at #65. Mr. DeFoe Main and Mr. Burns both approved the proposed location. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to grant the request. Mr. DeFoe retired at 10:25 P. M. Letter was received from Mr. Carroll, together with copy of letter from Mr. Grindle, advising that it will Voting be necessary to remove the Precinct One voting material Material stored at the Adams School inasmuch as the space is needed Prec. 1 for a classroom. The Clerk was instructed to request Mr. DeFoe to have the material removed from the Adams School and stored in Cary Memorial Building. Report was received from Mr. Garrity relative to Mr. Play area Thyng's property at 676 Marrett Road. The Recreation Marrett Rd. Committee had, at a previous meeting, informed the Board that Mr. Thyng would like to have the Town mow the grass so that the land could he used as a play area for children. No action was taken. Letter was received from the Town Clerk advising the Elementary Board that Mrs. Ruth Morey and Mr. Myron Fisher will repre- School sent the School Committee on the Elementary School Sites Sites Com. Committee. Mr. Emery designated Mr. William H. Driscoll and Mr. Lewis L. Hoyt to serve on this Committee as representatives of the Board of Selectmen. I 109 I' II A lengthy letter was received from Mr. Worthen with further reference to the question of a new Office Building. Town Office Mr. Nickerson suggested that Mr, Emery advise Mr. Building Worthen that approximately $2,000 will be expended on the property with the idea that in tan years it may be necessary to put an addition on the Town Office Building. Letter was received from Susan Gillingham, 14 Oakland Street, offering $100 each for lots 30 and 31 Hill- Tax Title crest Street. Property The Committee on Tax Title Property recommended $200 for e= ch lot, and the Clerk informed the Board that there is a water betterment assessment of $225 on Lot 50 and $75 on lot 31. The Selectmen agreed to entertain an offer of $200 for eech lot and inform Ms. Gillingham of the assessments. It was also agreed to advise her that if the two lots are combined, the present Board would be inclined to abate the betterment Of $75 on lot 31. Letter was received from Elbert Fisher, 197 Woburn Street, offering $100 each for lots 55 and 36 Hillcrest Street. The Committee on Tax Title Property recommended Tax Title $200 for each lot, and the Clerk informed the Board Property that there is a water betterment assessment of $75 on lot 35 and $103.65 on lot 36. The Selectmen agreed to entertain an offer of $200 for each lot and inform Mr. Fisher of the assessments. The Board gave further consideration to William Curley's offer for lots 189 through 192 inclusive on Cliffe Avenue. A proposal to sell these lots was adver- Tax Title tised in the May 25th issue of the Lexington Minute Man. Property No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement. Mr. Hoyt moved that the offer be accepted and that Lots 189 through 192 inclusive, on Cliffe Avenue, be sold and conveyed to William Curley. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Town Clerk with a list Dog Warrant of unlicensed dogs in the Town as of June first. Signed Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to sign the Warrant for the Dog Officer. Application was received from Robert N. Cann for permission to conduct a meeting in Estabrook Hall on the Use of Hall evening of June 20th, for the purpose of deciding the future of the Old Belfry Club. Mr. Nickerson moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted. ~110 c, Application was received from Helen H. Hager re- questing the use of Estabrook Hall on Thursday, June Use of 15th for a meeting of Community Concerts. Hall Mr. Emery moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to grant the following licenses : Licenses Lexington Theatre, Inc. Sunday Movies Countryside Associates Sunday Golf Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to sign the following sewer orders: Bow Street from existing manhole northeasterly and distant approximately 380 feet. Cliffe Avenue southerly and distant approximately Sign 100 feet. Sewer Cummings Avenue from Bow Street northwesterly and Orders distant approximately 340 feet. Fern Street from Pleasant Street southwesterly and distant approximately 1,070 feet. Pleasant Street from Mass. Avenue southwesterly to Fern Street. (Copy of all above orders under Sewer Orders, Select- men's Files, 1950. ) App't, The appointment of the Fire Engineers was held over. The meeting adjourned at 10:55 P. M. er , S sedan. i I