Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1951-11-20-min 51 SrLECTMENIS MEETING November 20, 1951 A regular meeting of the Board of Select- men was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday evening, November 20, 1951 at 7:00 P.M. Chairman Nickerson, Messrs. Emery, Gay and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also present. Chief Rycroft, Lieutenants Knapp and Smith, Sergeants Corr and Russell met with the Board. The Chairman said that the group had been invited in this evening for a few minutes just to sit down with the Board at the start of their new duties. He stated that the Board had two reasons for inviting them in. The first, to congratulate officially the two new Lieutenants and Sergeants, and the second, to congratulate the Chief because the New Officers Board feels that he has now a completely Police Dept. officered force which he never had before. He said that the Board hopes the promoted officers will assume their new ranks with the serious intention of making themselves examples to the patrolmen, and the Board knew that they would. He said that the Board knew, without being unduly officious, the officers could help the Chief correct some of the conditions which exist in the force. The Chairman explained that the Board has complained to the Chief several times about the matters of dress and conduct and feel that now he will have the help to enable him to improve the appearance and action of the force. He thanked the group for coming in and wished them success in their new positions. The group with the exception of the Chief, retired at 7:15 P.M. The Chairman referred to a conversation he had with the Chief this afternoon and said that the subject will be considered by the Board, but no decision has been made now be- cause the matter has more than one part. He Clerk for said that the Board is aware of the timing Police and that December first is coming up fast. Dept. Mr. Hoyt asked if this business of a Clerk becomes a part of the schedule worked out for the five-day week and the Chief replied that it does very much so. 52 a7 CO Mr. Gay asked if he had any fear of having a female Clerk and the Chief replied that it is not as ideal as it would be to have a man, but he does not have any fear of it. Mr. Hoyt inquired as to the hours and the Chief replied that they would be from nine until five. Mr. Emery asked if the Clerk would be on a five day week and the Chief replied in the affirmative. Chief Rycroft retired at 7:20 P.M. and Mr. Burns met with the Board. Letter was received from Thomas C. & Edith J. Morris in regard to a sewer betterment assess- ment levied against Lot # 16 Lexington Avenue in the amount of $293.36. The W rrisee claim Morris that they are now connected with the sewer on Assessment Robbins Road and have paid that assessment in Abated full. Mr. Burns explained that an error had been made in billing them for the Lexington Avenue sewer and that their request for abatement is justified. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to abate the entire sewer assessment in the amount of $293.36, levied against Lot #16, Lexington Avenue. Letter was recei'red from the State Chapter 90 Department of Public Works advising that the work done by the Town in the maintenance of Chapter 90 roads has been approved. Letter was received from the State Department of Public Works together with a signed copy of Contract No. 13369 covering the work to be done on Paul Revere Road. Letter was received from the Middlesex County Commissioners together with petition for relocation and specific repairs on Concord Avenue. Mr. Burns explained that this is one of four projects that he presented at a Chapter 90 meeting and inasmuch as he has not heard anything, it appears that the Commissioners have just decided to do Concord Avenue without oonsulting him. He said that Concord Avenue was relocated in 1945 or 1946 and he will have to talk to either Mr. Hatch or Mr. Sabin on this. The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed that Mr. Burris should contact the County Commissioners and discuss the matter with them. 53 Mr. Chapin' s request for clerical assistance was discussed briefly with Mr. Vet's Burns, but no decision was made. Agent Mr. Burns reported that it will be necessary to go into the rear of F tr Oaks Drive to complete the sewer in Fair Oaks Terrace. In payment for an easement, Mr. Zaner wants a hot-top drive which will coat approximately $130. Mr. Burns said that he will either have to pay him, make a taking, Zaner or go up through Fair Oaks Drive through 15 Basement feet of ledge. He said that he definitely Pair Oaks does not want to have anything to do with Drive building a hot-top drive but would recommend settling for $130. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to authorize Mr. Burns to pay $130 for the easement providing it meets with the approval of the Town Counsel. It was decided to meet with Mr. Burns on Saturday morning for the purpose of discussing proposed 1952 projects. Mr. Burns retired at 7:50 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Mrr. Carroll informing the Board that John A. Resignation Russell has resigned as Dog Officer. of Dog Upon motion of Mr. Beery, seconded by Officer Mr. Gay, it was voted to accept the resign- ation. The Chairman read a letter from James F. Mowat stating that he would appreciate any consideration the Board might give him as Dog Officer to replace Officer Russell. Appointment Upon motion of Mr. Beery, seconded by of Dog Mr. Gay, it was voted to appoint James F. Officer Mowat as Dog Officer in the Town of Lexington for an unexpired tertu, effective immediately, ending March 31, 1952, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Officer Russell. Mr. Beery retired at 7:55 P.M. Mr. Toros Bashian met with the Board and presented a plan entitled "A Compiled Plan of Land in Lexington, Mass. , Scale 1" = 40' October 19, 1951, Albert A. Miller, Wilbur C. Nylander, Civil Engra. & Surveyors, Lexington, Mass." Re stated that Old Wood Street has been taken away and closed to the Public and also to him. Be said that he has been paying taxes on this land (between Old Wood Street and new Wood Street) and has a right-of�way easement from the State. Be then stated that he cannot go into Old Wood Street. �b said that when Wood Street was widened for the airport he gave ten feet for road p1rposes and if that road is to be abandoned he wants the ten feet returned. The Chairman asked if he meant that he is claiming the return of ten feet from the ledge out to Massachusetts Avenue and he replied that he wants the entire area of 365 feet. The Chairman said that the Board will have to study the matter before discussing it further, and stated that apparently what Mr. Bashian wants is to get a certain strip of land, ten feet wide, which he previously owned, returned to him Mr. Bashian asked what was to be done about the Old Burying Ground. Mr. Hoyt asked if he paid taxes on it and he replied that he is not positive, but he has claimed it as his for over twenty years. Mr. Gay asked if he wanted the Town to give him something to show that the Old Burying Ground belongs to him and he replied in the affirmative. Mr. Bashian then said that the State put a culvert in Route 2-A and the bank that was supported by the culvert- slid down, closed the culvert causing a flood on his land. The Chairman asked if Mr. Bashian had settled with the State and he replied in the negative. The Chairman explained that Mr. Bashian apparently has a claim for damages against the State. Mr. Bashian retired at 8:25 P.M. and Mr. Stevens met with the Board. The Chairman read a letter from William 0. Wiles, 176 Burlington Street, with reference to a water betterment assessment levied against Water his property, a portion of which was taken by Betterment the State for Route 128. Before the State will Assessment settle he must pay the assessment in full or obtain a release from the Town Mr. Stevens explained that the release would only cover that portion of land taken by the State. Be stated the Board could release that land from the lien, but continue the lien on the remaining land. 55 Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to sign instrument of partial release of land from water betterment assessments; said land being that portion taken by the State for construction of Route 128 and formerly owned by William 0. Wiles. Letter was received from Frederick J. Hopwood, 172 Burlington Street, with reference to a water betterment assessment levied against his property, a portion of which was taken by the State for Route 128. Before the State will settle, he must pay the assessment in full or obtain a release from the Town. Mr. Stevens explained that this is the same as the above. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to sign instrument of partial release of land from water betterment assessments; said land being that portion taken by the State for construction of Route 128 and formerly owned by Frederick J. Hopwood. Mr, Stevens retired at 9:10 P.M. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Cert. of Hoyt, it was voted to sign Certificate of Inc. Incorporation on behalf of Roland B. Greeley. Letters were received from Mr. Carroll advising that Donald T. Clark has resigned as a member of the Assessment Study Committee and the appointment of Fred C. Newhall to take his place. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Carroll had made inquiry relative to his request for a transfer of $500 from the Reserve Fund and the Chairman had asked him for a specific amount needed which Mr. Carroll advised him is $406.43. Transfer Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to recommend a transfer of $406.43 from the Reserve Fund to the Town Clerk & Treasurer's Personal Services Account, and further to advise the Appropriation Committee that some proper provision should be made in 1952 to cover the cost of counting and wrapping money collected in parking meters. Letter was received from the Lexington Chamber of Commerce requesting permission to cover all parking meters with paper bags Parking advertising the fact that parking, at the Meters time stated, is free on Friday nights in December prior to the holiday. The organization will assume the responsibility of installing and removing the bags each Friday night. OD The Chairman reported that he has checked with the Chief of Police and there apparently is no objection. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to approve the request. Letter was received from Donald K. Irwin, Chairman of the Committee appointed to study the Building and Plumbing By-laws, requesting advice as to how the money may be made available to pay for clerical help in typing the proposed revisions. The Chairman was authorized to contact Mr. Irwin and discuss the matter with him. Approval was received from the Division Police of Civil Service of the recent appointments made by the Board to positions of Sergeants and Lieutenants in the Police Department. Application was received from the Lexington Club requesting permission to Use of conduct a Children's Christmas Party in Hall Cary Hall on December 22nd from 1:00 until 5:00 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to grant the use of the hall free of charge. Application was received from the Lex- ington Boy Scouts for permission to conduct a Band Concert in Cary Hall on November 30th Use of from 6:30 to 11:00 P.M., to which an admis- Hall sion will be charged. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to grant the use of the hall subject to a charge of 455.00. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Licenses Lex. Theatre, Inc. 1794. Mass. Ave. Sun. Movies Joseph Trani, Inc. 1757 Mass. Ave. Package Goods Store The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M. A true record, Attest: vi , lec .on I